Greenest City Action Plan

2020 ACtion PLAn
VAnCouVer hAs ProVen thAt

A City CAn Grow And ProsPer
And stiLL beCome A Green CAPitAL
A GLobAL LeAder in AddressinG
CLimAte ChAnGe.
Vancouver is set to bring our community-based greenhouse gas emissions
down to 5% below 1990 levels, even as our population has grown by over
27% and jobs have increased by over 18%.
Vancouvers electricity is generated in British Columbia93% of it
from renewable sources. We are also developing neighbourhood-scale
renewable energy projects. Conversion to renewable sources will create
new green jobs.
The City has implemented the greenest building code in North America.
Vancouver is rising to meet the green transportation challenge by creating
compact neighbourhoods with higher density to provide easy access to
work, shopping and recreation. The City has shifted investment to walking,
cycling and transit infrastructure instead of building new roads.
...And this Greenest City ACtion PLAn

detAiLs how we wiLL beCome the
Greenest City in the worLd by 2020...
Greenest City 2020

Action plan
The Greenest City Story
Goal 1: Green Economy
Goal 2: Climate Leadership
Goal 3: Green Buildings
Goal 4: Green Transportation
Goal 5: Zero Waste
Goal 6: Access to Nature
Goal 7: Lighter Footprint
Goal 8: Clean Water
Goal 9: Clean Air
Goal 10: Local Food
A Conclusion & A Beginning
Acknowledgements
5
10
16
22
28
34
40
46
52
58
64
71
72
Its up to everyone to do their part,

to rethink, re-evaluate and re-imagine
the way Vancouver works and how
we lead our lives.
Vancouvers Greenest City Action Team
Vancouver 2020: A Bright Green Future
the Greenest City story

Ambitious, necessary, and possiblethis is the
Greenest City 2020 Action Plan (GCAP) for Vancouver.
it is our road map to becoming the greenest city
in the world by 2020.
This plan sets the course toward realizing a healthy, prosperous,
and resilient future for our city. It calls on us all to rise to the
challenge of transforming our community to create a better life
for future generations.
As with other cities around the world, Vancouver faces challenges
that call for decisive action and innovation, and every resident and
business will play a crucial role in helping us, as a community, to
reach our goals. A growing population, climate uncertainty, rising
fossil fuel prices, and shifting economic opportunities are just some
of the challenges that now call on us to work hard to remain one of
the best places in the world in which to live.
In the 1960s, Vancouvers Strathcona neighbourhood residents
stopped the construction of a massive freeway into downtown that
would have levelled their community and altered the shape of the city
forever. Today, Vancouver is one of a very few cities in North America
that does not have a major highway cutting through its core. And our
city was one of the first in the world to recognize the importance and
gravity of climate change. In 1990, the groundbreaking Clouds of
Change Task Force recommended the city begin reducing its carbon
dioxide emissions.
Today, Vancouver has the smallest per capita carbon footprint of
any city in North America. We have been able to achieve this in
collaboration with our energy utility providers, senior levels of
government, and innovators in the business and non-profit sectors
who see new opportunity in responding to this challenge. Because
of these achievements, Vancouver is quickly becoming a new green
economy hub.
Vancouverites have consistently made choices that have turned our
home into one of the worlds most livable cities. Theres much to love
about Vancouver, from magnificent natural surroundings to strong
environmental values, from a diverse cultural mix and innovative
economy to our vibrant neighbourhoods. Its now up to all of us to
help make Greenest City 2020 a reality. Vancouver is well positioned
to achieve this plans 10 greenest city goals in the coming decade.
Indeed, as youll see, were already well on our way.
how does VAnCouVer

ComPAre?
There is some debate about the usefulness of ranking cities, and about
the methods used to determine the sustainability or livability of a
specific place. However, its important to know how Vancouver stacks
up against other municipalities around the world as we learn to build
more prosperous, healthy, and green cities.
Vancouver does well on national and international rankings that
relate to the Greenest City goals. Organizations such as Corporate
Knights and the Economist Intelligence Unit are increasingly
recognizing Vancouvers efforts to be greener, more livable, more
sustainable, and more resilient.
theres no time
Like the Present
why are we working towards becoming the Greenest
City and why now?
Vancouver residents have an ecological footprint three times larger
than the Earth can sustain. The decisions we make every day about
how we move around the city, what we buy or eat, and how we deal
with our waste means that we currently use far more than our fair
share of the Earths resources.
Fortunately, there are many solutions that address climate change
and other environmental challenges while creating green jobs,
strengthening our community, increasing the livability of our city
and improving the well-being of our citizens.
In particular, the green economy is rapidly expanding and Vancouver
is ready to take advantage of this opportunity. The former Chief
Economist for the World Bank, Sir Nicholas Stern, has estimated
that failure to tackle the climate crisis could cost the global economy
$6.6 trillion a year. This is an important lesson. Although there are
investments required to become the Greenest City, there are also real
risks associated with ignoring the issue.
This action plan sets out a clear vision, with concrete targets and the
steps required to achieve each one of them. Between now and 2020,
there will be a lot to learn and do to achieve the Greenest City goals.
But there is little doubt that the results will improve our quality of life
and make us even more globally competitive, while helping us live in
better balance with the Earths natural systems.
5
CreAtinG the Greenest City

2020 ACtion PLAn
VAnCouVer,
we hAVe whAt it tAkes
The Greenest City 2020 Action Plan (GCAP) builds on the 2009
work of Mayor Gregor Robertsons Greenest City Action Team. This
group of local experts researched best practices from leading green
cities around the world, and established the goals and targets that
would make Vancouver the worlds Greenest City. This work was
published in Vancouver 2020: A Bright Green Future.
The race to become the Greenest City in the world is both a friendly
and fierce competition. Its friendly because when one city succeeds,
we all benefit from the shared knowledge and improved health of
our planet, as well as the new opportunities that emerge in the green
economy. The race is a fierce one because the stakes are so high. In
fact, the kind of change needed for all of us to thrive in healthy and
prosperous communities requires a world full of Greenest Cities.
Recognizing the importance of working toward the goals and

targets right away, the team also recommended more than 75
quick-start actions that City of Vancouver staff could begin to act on
immediately. The team then tasked City staff to come up with a more
robust plan to outline what would be needed to achieve the goals and
targets. The result is the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan.
During the development of the GCAP, many people gave their
time and ideas. More than 35,000 people from around the world
participated in the process online, through social media, and in
face-to-face workshops or events. More than 9,500 people, most
of whom lived in Vancouver, actively added their ideas, insights,
and feedback to help determine the best path to achieve this plan.
Participants often asked how they could begin to take these ideas and
make them real in their own backyards, in their neighbourhoods,
and in their businesses.
With over 60 City staff, more than 120 organizations, and thousands
of individuals contributing to the creation of the GCAP, weve set
the example for best practice in citizen collaboration and built the
kinds of partnerships required for achieving the Greenest City goals
and targets. These efforts will need to continue, with each of us
contributing in our own way and in our own lives to becoming the
Greenest City.
There are four key ingredients required for us to succeed: vision,

leadership, action, and partnerships.
Vision
The Greenest City 2020 Action Plan is a strategy for staying on
the leading edge of city sustainability. Our vision is to create
opportunities today while building a strong local economy, vibrant
and inclusive neighbourhoods, and an internationally recognized city
that meets the needs of generations to come. This is a vision that has
an important role for each of us.
Leadership
Leadership is required from City staff and elected officials, from
organizations operating in diverse sectors across the city, and from
Vancouver residentsmany of whom have already contributed to the
development of this plan. The City will need to lead the way in its own
operations as well, demonstrating what a Greenest City looks like in
City-run buildings, facilities, and operations. Leadership from other
levels of government and other public sector agencies will also be
critical to our success.
Action
A plan like this is only useful when it is acted upon. The GCAP gives
clear targets to work towards, with baseline numbers to indicate our
current level of performance. The highest priority actions for the next
three years have been identified, as well as strategies and actions that
will help to achieve our targets by 2020.
Partnerships
The City of Vancouver cant achieve the GCAP by itself, with its
limited sphere of influence and resources. That means partnerships
will be the key to achieving this plan. The process of developing
the GCAP, as well as the implementation of the many quick-start
actions, has demonstrated the power of partnerships in building our
future city.
we hAVe An Ambitious And

meAsurAbLe ACtion PLAn
The Greenest City 2020 Action Plan is divided into 10 smaller plans,
each with a long-term (year 2050) goal and medium-term (year 2020)
targets. Together, these 10 plans address three overarching areas of
focus: carbon, waste, and ecosystems.
Summaries of each plan are provided in the following pages.
They include the current status of each target, the highest priority
actions from each plan, and the key strategies that will take us to
our goals. They also contain some useful definitions and contextual
information, as well as stories about some of the Greenest City actions
that are already underway in our city.
Although the GCAP is organized into 10 unique goals, the actions
work together to form one integrated plan. For example, increasing
composting and gardening helps achieve the Green Economy, Zero
Waste, Access to Nature, and Local Food targets. Improving transit
services supports the Climate Leadership, Green Transportation, and
Clean Air targets.
While City Council approved the GCAP in July 2011, some
elements of the plan will require further policy development or
additional resources as well as Council approval before they can be
implemented.
wALkinG the tALk:

how VAnCouVer is beCominG
the Greenest City inside
And out
One of the things heard loud and clear during the public engagement
process was that the City needs to set an example in its own
operations. Four high-priority actions in City operations have been
identified in response.
1. Plan and implement a comprehensive corporate waste reduction
and diversion program for all City facilities.
2. Develop a procurement policy and practice that supports the
purchase and use of local food in City-run facilities, including
community centres and Park Board restaurants and concessions.
3. Look for opportunities to green community events that the City
runs, sponsors, and permits.
4. Plan and implement a program to significantly reduce greenhouse
gas emissions as well as fossil fuel use in City-run buildings and
vehicles, and achieve carbon-neutral operations.
You join a multitude of caring

people. No one knows how
many groups and organizations
are working on the most salient
issues of our day: climate change,
poverty, deforestation, peace,
water, hunger, conservation,
human rights, and more. This is
the largest movement the world
has ever seen.
You Are Brilliant, and the Earth is Hiring
The Commencement Address by Paul Hawken
to the University of Portland Class of 2009
we ALL hAVe A roLe to PLAy

The City can do a lot to ensure Vancouver achieves our Greenest
City goals and targets. But there are also limits to the scope of
the Citys influence. Thats why we need strong and effective
partnerships with all of the organizations in Vancouver that have
a key role to play in greening the city. This includes other levels
of government, non-profit organizations, businesses, and social
enterprises. Most importantly, it includes every citizenand that
includes you.
1/
10
Secure Vancouvers international

reputation as a mecca of green enterprise.
GrEEN ECoNomY
tArGets:
1. Double the number of green jobs
over 2010 levels by 2020.
2. Double the number of companies that
are actively engageD in greening their
operations over 2011 levels by 2020.
Vancouvers green economy is growing more than twice as fast
as traditional sectors. The green economy includes jobs in clean
technology and products, green building design and construction,
sustainability consulting and education, recycling and composting,
local food, green transportation, and much, much more.
Green jobs can be found across traditional and new industry sectors.
For example, many of the resource-based companies headquartered
in Vancouver have sustainability departments, which have created
green jobs, as have energy and environment groups at Vancouvers
more progressive financial institutions and telecommunications
companies. Vancouvers emerging eco-fashion innovators are finding
ways to use sustainably produced fabrics and other materials in
their manufacturing processes. Many of BCs clean technology
companies that are working towards energy solutions such as solar,
wind and tidal power, as well as bio-energy technologies, also call
Vancouver home.
Green economic development is also about greening all sectors of
the economy, encouraging organizations and businesses to make
environmentally responsible improvements in their operations. This
may mean sourcing recycled, reclaimed or locally manufactured
materials, taking steps to improve energy efficiency, or reducing the
amount of solid waste that businesses produce.
Theres a strong business case for going green. Efforts to increase
environmentally sound practices save money, including savings
from reduced waste disposal and energy costs. A green company
also benefits from access to contracts with organizations that have
sustainable purchasing requirements. In addition, companies
that recognize the benefits of integrating their business systems
internally as well as with other companies and organizations will
find opportunities for improved productivity, innovative business
processes, creation of shared value, and additional revenue streams.
By embracing green economic development, Vancouver businesses

can be more competitive, gain market share, and prepare for carbon
regulation, all by improving their environmental performance.
Developing Vancouvers green economy is an opportunity and a
necessity on the path to a healthy and sustainable future for our city.
11
bAseLine numbers
hiGhest Priority ACtions
Vancouver has approximately 14,900 green jobs in eight sectors,

based on 2010/2011 numbers. This makes up more than 3% of total
jobs in the city.
The following are the highest priority actions for 20112014. The
complete list of Green Economy actions can be found in the Greenest
City 2020 Action Plan available at talkgreenvancouver.ca
Percentage of jobs in key sectors *

Key sectors
per cent of jobs
Wholesale & retail Trade
13%
Health Care & Social Assistance
11%
Tourism (Accommodation & Food Service)
9%
manufacturing
5%
Public Administration
5%
Construction
4%
Transportation & Warehousing
4%
Green Jobs
3+%
1. Develop programs to support each of the five green job clusters

that the City has identified as priorities. Programs might include
research, technology hubs, business incubators, and network
development.
2. Establish a Green Enterprise Zone. This area would make the
Downtown Eastside and False Creek Flats the greenest place to
work in the world by focusing green companies and organizations,
green infrastructure, as well as innovations in building design and
land use planning in one location. The lessons learned from this
zone would then be applied city wide.
*
SOURCE: Statistics Canada 2006 and VEC Green Economy Study 2010.
Due to overlap of some industry sectors and multiple sources, the data do not
sum to 100 percent.
3. Deliver a business engagement program. This program can help

Vancouver businesses make measurable improvements to their
environmental performance and improve productivity and
competitiveness.
About half of Vancouvers green jobs will likely come from the
creation of new jobs that dont currently exist. The other half will
come from the transformation of existing jobs through skills
upgrading, and through organizations that green their existing
business processes and take advantage of new opportunities in the
green economy.
number of green jobs in Vancouver by sub-sector,
2010/2011
3,900
Local Food
Clean Tech & Green
Building Products
2,950
Green Transportation,
Infrastructure & Planning
2,350
Waste Management
& Recycling
Green Jobs
1,400
Land & Water Remediation

& Environmental Consulting
1,350
Green Building Design

& Construction
1,350
Sustinability Services,
Public Sector & Education
1,300
Green Jobs in
Traditional Sectors
300
0
1000
2000
3000
SOURCE: Vancouver Economic Commission survey and estimates,

March 2010 and April 2011.
12
4000
green business development

officer
business energy advisor
green funds manager
carbon offsets aggregator
carbon trader
ICT networking specialist
smart grid engineer and
technician
smart meter manufacturer

green purchasing manager
demonstration zone
coordinator
industry association director
policy analyst and researcher
sustainability educator
key strAteGies to 2020

Doubling the number of green jobs in the City and greening existing
businesses will take a coordinated effort. Some of the key strategies to
get there include:
economic development
Economic development by the City and the Vancouver Economic
Commission (VEC) will focus efforts on five industry clusters that
have the most potential for growth over the next decade. These
clusters are: clean technology; green buildings; materials management
and recycling; local food; and sustainability services and education,
along with other emerging sectors.
Community economic development
The City is working with partners to help create job opportunities and
reduce barriers to employment. This is being done through projects
that deliver training and supportive employment programs. Examples
include EMBERS Green Restoration (a home weatherization service),
a building deconstruction program, and urban farming.
Capacity building, education, and training
The City and VEC are continuing to support and participate in a
Campus-City Collaborative that offers green workforce development
as well as research capacity to support the Greenest City targets.
Some projects already underway include City Studioa program
to connect student researchers with critical sustainability questions
facing the city, as well as a conference to ensure training offered by
local post-secondary institutions matches the need for a growing
green workforce.
Greening existing workplaces
The City and the VEC will work with partners to encourage and
enable Vancouver companies to improve efficiencies with respect to
energy, waste and water; develop innovative management practices
such as green purchasing standards; and re-imagine and redesign
products and services that give them a competitive edge. This will
contribute to the long-term financial health of local businesses, while
bringing us closer to our Greenest City targets.
whAt its GoinG to tAke

to Get there
Our ability to achieve the Green Economy targets will be largely
dependent on partnerships with other organizationsparticularly
businesses, social enterprises, and educational institutions. The
City and the VEC can support, encourage and enable green job
creation, but the real leadership needs to come from those who are
ready to seek out the business opportunities that exist in Vancouvers
green economy.
The Green Economy goal is directly connected to the other nine
goals, particularly Green Buildings, Zero Waste, and Local Food
areas where many new green jobs are expected.
At least 10% of green jobs have low barriers to employment and are
accessible to residents facing language barriers, mental health issues,
homelessness, or other challenges. These include jobs in local food,
waste management and recycling, and some forms of construction
(including home weatherization and deconstruction). Nearly 70% of
green jobs require post-secondary qualifications, including technical
or trades training.
Forecasted green jobs growth
30,000
WITH GREENEST CITY ACTION PLAN

BUSINESS AS USUAL
28,000
25,000
22,200
21,100
20,000
18,200
15,000
14,900
10,000
5,000
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 2020
Where Will the neW green jobs come from?

This estimate of sources for Vancouvers new green
jobs assumes the full implementation of the Greenest
City 2020 Action Plan across all 10 goal areas and
uses economic forecasts as its base. Though this is far
from an exact science, these projections give useful
information about where to focus our efforts.
13
distribution of additional green jobs generated

by 2020, through Greenest City Action Plan
(total 10,000+)
Green jobs by training required

Sustainability Services,
Public Sector & Education
Green Jobs in
Traditional Sectors
1% 1%
GREEN BUILDING (50%)
4%
CLEAN TECH & GREEN BUILDING

PRODUCTS (22%)
9%
LOCAL FOOD (13%)

INFRASTRUCTURE & PLANNING (9%)
13%
50%
Green Transportation,
Infrastructure & Planning
Land & Water Remediation
& Environmental Consulting
Clean Tech &
Green Building Products
Green Building Design
& Construction
Waste Management
& Recycling
WASTE (4%)
SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
& EDUCATION (1%)
LAND & WATER REMEDIATION (1%)
Local Food*
(Estimate)
TOTAL
22%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
PROFESSIONAL
TECHNICAL & TRADES
HIGH SCHOOL REQUIRED
LOW BARRIER
city stuDio
Launched in the fall of 2011, City
Studio is an innovative program
where up to 20 students from
Vancouvers six public postsecondary institutions work hand
in hand with the City to investigate
and generate solutions for issues
related to Greenest City goals. The
idea for this studio was suggested
in the Talk Green to Us community
consultation. originally named
City University, it received so
many votes through the website
that it finished as the fourth most
popular idea.
citystudiovancouver.blogspot.com
14
sustainability of the
social, economic, anD
environmental KinD
EmBErS Green renovations is the
first business in Vancouver to offer
weatherization services to residents
who want to lighten their ecological
footprint and save money by
making their homes less drafty
and more energy efficient. Its also
a social enterprise that provides
training and job opportunities
to residents whove experienced
barriers to employment and found it
difficult to enter the job market.
EmBErS, the Eastside movement
for Business and Economic
renewal Society, began its Green
renovations program in September
2010 with four employees who
provided services to 50 homes in
the first few months of operation.
With a goal of 5,000 homes by

2020, Green renovations supports
the Citys plans to create lowthreshold green jobs while also
supporting the GCAPs Climate
Leadership and Green Buildings
goals.
Home weatherization improves the
energy performance of buildings
by installing low-energy, doubleglazed windows, sealing gaps
around doors, pipes and wiring,
and installing insulation in walls,
floors and ceilings. Its estimated
that comprehensive home
weatherization improvements can
reduce up to one metric tonne of
carbon dioxide per year per home.
Thats about one seventh of the
annual emissions produced by the
average American car.
whAt is A Green Job?

This plan borrows from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) definition,
which describes green jobs as those that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring
environmental quality reduce energy, materials and water consumption decarbonize the
economy and minimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution. Job
sectors range from clean technology and green buildings to education and materials recovery.
Green jobs also include jobs in traditional sectors with businesses that have significantly greener
processes or operations than industry standards.
The GCAP has added local food to the UNEP definition, as growing an urban food system is
central to the Greenest City vision for a sustainable economy. Local food is defined here as all
food and beverage (including wine) produced and consumed within British Columbia.
15
2/
16
Eliminate dependence on fossil fuels.
CLImATE LEAdErSHIP
tArGet:
reDuce community-baseD greenhouse gas
emissions by 33% from 2007 levels.
Climate change has been called one of the greatest threats in history
to human health, the economy, and the environment. The vast
majority of climate scientists agree that human activities are the
primary cause of this change. These activities include things like
burning fuel to power vehicles and consuming energy in the heating
and cooling of our homes, as well as the industrial processes that
produce consumer goods, the methane released from garbage in our
landfills, and much more.
Over the past century, our dependence on fossil fuels has released
enough carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to alter the
natural balance of the earths atmosphere, thereby changing the
climate. If we fail to take action on climate change, scientists predict
serious consequences such as decreased food production, water
shortages, and increased infestations of temperature-sensitive pests
like the pine beetle that has devastated forests in BC.
Climate change is a serious challenge, but we have real solutions.
We have technology and resources to heat our homes efficiently and
systems for making sure reusable, recyclable, and compostable items
dont end up in the landfill. We are planning our neighbourhoods to
be quieter, greener, and more walkablewhere the grocery store is a
few blocks from your house and you meet your neighbour more often
than you sit in a traffic jam. These strategies are just the beginning.
We have the knowledge, skills and innovation to bring carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gas levels back into balance with nature. We
can transform our cities and enjoy cleaner air, more green space,
healthier people, and create new job opportunities at the same time.
17
bAseLine numbers
Vancouver is set to bring our community-based greenhouse gas

emissions down to 5% below 1990 levels, even as our population has
grown by more than 27% and jobs have increased by over 18%. The
original 2012 target was 6% below 1990 levels.
complete list of Climate Leadership actions can be found in the
Greenest City 2020 Action Plan available at talkgreenvancouver.ca
Vancouvers GhG emissions are declining

3.25
3.00
2. Work with partners to convert large-scale steam systems to

renewable energy. Large industrial operations, as well as
institutions like universities, typically burn natural gas in
centralized steam systems to provide heat. By converting systems
to hot water instead of steam, and using alternative renewable fuels
like biomass to heat the water, these systems can be made more
efficient and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
2.75
Target: 6% below 1990 levels
2.50
1. Work with partners in the city to build new neighbourhood-scale

renewable energy systems. The award-winning Southeast False
Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility has reduced greenhouse gas
emissions by 55% over conventional technologies. This is a costeffective model for providing low-carbon, secure, and affordable
heating to buildings in denser neighbourhoods and other
developments in the city.
2.25
2.00
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
SOURCE: Vancouvers GHG Emissions 1990-2012; City of Vancouver.
Further emissions reductions are expected, thanks to improvements

in the Vancouver Landfill gas collection system. Our record shows
that climate leadership, prosperity, and livability can go hand in hand.
3. Develop a policy framework that clearly articulates when the City

will or will not consider different renewable energy sources for
district energy systems. There is a great deal of emerging research
that needs to be considered when developing plans for different
types of renewable energy. The City needs to make sure it is
working toward environmentally sound solutions that are also
healthy for residents and ecosystems, as well as financially feasible
and secure for the long term.
Vancouvers 2008 GhG emissions sources

LIGHT-DUTY VEHICLES: 880,000 (32%)
5%
8%
1 & 2 FAMILY HOMES: 530,000 (19%)
32%
11%
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS:

365,000 (13%)
MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS:
320,000 (12%)
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: 305,000 (11%)
12%
HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES: 125,000 (5%)
13%
19%
SOURCE: 2008 Emissions Inventory; City of Vancouver

*An updated 2011 Emissions Inventory is expected to be available in 2012.
18
Green Jobs
SOLID WASTE: 220,000 (8%)
sustainability manager
district energy system engineer
and technician
geothermal energy technician
biomass energy technician
solar energy technician
power engineer
natural gas engine mechanic

educator

help to bring new neighbourhood-scale renewable
energy systems online
Neighbourhoods that have a mix of single-family homes, townhouses
and apartments, and are built with moderate density, offer an
excellent opportunity to service multiple buildings with a single
system using a renewable energy source. Grouping buildings together
under one heating system and having a neighbourhood-scale
operatorwhether its a utility, a business, the City, or a co-ophelps
overcome the barriers of high construction costs and the historic low
energy prices of individual, non-renewable systems.
support implementation of Green buildings, Green
transportation, and Zero waste plans (see sections
within this document)
A sizable 55% of Vancouvers emissions come from buildings, while
37% come from transportation and 8% from emissions created at the
landfill from solid waste. The GCAP contains three specific plans
that outline detailed strategies and actions in these areas that support
Vancouvers leadership on climate action.

to Get there
Despite Vancouvers success to date, achieving the 2020 Climate
Leadership target will call on all of us to expand our efforts. We
need to double the current rate by which weve been reducing our
greenhouse gas emissions. The success of this plan also depends on
continued action from the provincial and federal governments to
decrease the carbon content of vehicle fuels and electricity, and to
support Canadian cities with new regulatory authority that enables
each municipality to build a low-carbon future.
The foundations of the Climate Leadership goal are the Green
Buildings, Green Transportation, and Zero Waste sections of this
plan. Other specific linkages to actions within this plan include the
creation of new green jobs, reducing our ecological footprint, and
creating local food assets in the city.
Where Will the reDuction in greenhouse gas
emissions come from?
develop a climate change adaptation plan

Current climate science indicates that Vancouver is likely to see drier
summers, more intense weather events involving wind, rain and
snow, and the gradual rise of sea levels as the global climate changes.
The City of Vancouver is participating in the Local Governments
for Sustainability climate change adaptation pilot project as local
governments around the world now recognize the need to prepare for
these kinds of changes.
support provincial climate and energy plans
PROVINCIAL REGULATION: 445,000 (39%)
4%
11%
GREEN BUILDINGS: 270,000 (24%)

GREEN TRANSPORTATION: 255,000 (22%)
39%
RENEWABLE ENERGY: 120,000 (11%)

ZERO WASTE: 50,000 (4%)
22%
24%
The provincial governments 2007 Climate Action Plan and 2010

BC Energy Plan include proposed actions such as regulating vehicle
fuel efficiency and decreasing BCs imports of coal-fire generated
electricity. Greening the provincial power supply, including new
technology to improve grid management and facilitate clean energy,
will be critical to achieving the Climate Leadership goal.
19
Q: What is climate change aDaptation?

a: actions that responD to the impacts of
climate change (for example, flooDing
causeD by sea level rise or increaseD
precipitation) that also taKe aDvantage
of opportunities or reDuce associateD
risKs.
Examples of adaptation actions include:
Modifying coastal development and associated
standards and regulations to respond to sea level rise
Increasing public access to water, initiating heat alerts,
and providing cooling centres to respond to extreme
heat events
Assessing the long-term performance of the sewer
system for increased flow from wet weather
Selecting hardy tree species and increasing tree
maintenance including wind-firming measures
Promoting permeable surfaces to decrease runoff and
street flooding during heavy rain events
Incorporating future climate projections into
infrastructure design
climate leaDership goes unDergrounD:

vancouvers lanDfill gas collection system
When we think of the human activities that produce
greenhouse gases (GHGs), a landfill might not be the
first thing that comes to mind.
In fact, landfills are a significant source of GHGs.
As materials decompose in the landfills anaerobic
environment, they produce both methane and carbon
dioxide, two of the primary GHGs linked to climate
change.
Thats why Vancouvers landfill gas collection system
is a key element of the citys plan to meet our GHG
reduction targets and contribute to our climate
leadership goal.
How does the system work? more than 200 vertical
wells are placed into the landfill and connected with 10
horizontal wells. Shaped like large straws, these wells
capture the methane produced by the landfill and draw
it out to a co-generation facility, where it is converted to
heat or electricity when needed.
Hot water is then piped to local greenhouses, which use
this heat to power their operations, instead of burning
natural gas.
An increased number of wells and an enhanced vacuum
seal (achieved through plastic cover over certain areas)
will make a significant contribution to Vancouvers GHG
reduction target.
We can transform our cities and enjoy cleaner

air, more green space, healthier people, and
create new job opportunities at the same time.
20
Neighbourhood Energy
Utility helps buildings
work together
Vancouvers first renewable district heating system is the
Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU), located in the Southeast
False Creek neighbourhood. It has reduced greenhouse gas
emissions by more then 55% over conventional stand-alone heating
and hot water systems. How? By connecting the buildings together
to share a renewable heat source.
The NEU uses heat-capturing technology to gather wasted thermal
energy from municipal sewage. The heat pump converts this energy
to a higher temperature used for residential space heating and hot
water. Instead of each building working on its own, the energy
utility can supply several buildings together, making the project
more cost-effective than stand-alone options. This economical
and flexible infrastructure allows the NEU to use a wide variety
of renewable waste energy options that would not otherwise be
available to heating systems in individual buildings.
21
3/
22
Lead the world in green building

design and construction.
GrEEN BUILdINGS
tArGets:
1. reQuire all builDings constructeD
from 2020 onWarD to be carbon neutral
in operations.
2. reDuce energy use anD greenhouse gas
emissions in existing builDings by 20% over
2007 levels.
Canadians spend close to 90% of our time indoors, which makes the
buildings we live and work in a big part of our lives. Buildings are
also a big part of Vancouvers carbon footprintthe amount of
carbon we are responsible for releasing into the atmosphere. The
electricity and natural gas that buildings use make up 55% of
Vancouvers greenhouse gas emissions.
Fortunately, Vancouver is already leading the way on green building
design as the industry continues to grow and innovate. The Citys
regulations for new buildings are some of the greenest of any
jurisdiction in North America.
Vancouvers next challenge is to improve the environmental
performance of existing building stock by focusing on retrofits such
as insulation, heating and lighting system upgrades and energyefficient appliances, as well as on how people operate buildings.
In British Columbia, we continue to have access to relatively
inexpensive energy sources. In addition, the landlords and developers
who make decisions about new designs or retrofits dont often pay
the utility bills and dont immediately benefit from efficiency savings
that can take time to show return on initial investments. These factors
reduce the incentive for energy conservation. There is also a growing
need for more education, training, and capacity building in the
design, construction and operations of energy-efficient
green buildings.
23
bAseLine numbers
Buildings account for 55% of Vancouvers GHG emissions.
complete list of Green Buildings actions can be found in the Greenest
Vancouvers 2008 GhG emissions (tCo2e)

LIGHT DUTY VEHICLES: 880,000 (32%)
5%
8%
1 & 2 FAMILY HOMES: 530,000 (19%)
32%
11%
LIGHT-INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS:
365,000 (13%)
MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS:
320,000 (12%)
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS: 305,000 (11%)
12%
55%
SOLID WASTE: 220,000 (8%)

HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES: 125,000 (5%)
13%
19%
1. Update the Vancouver Building Bylaw to improve energy efficiency

and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both new and existing
buildings.
2. Develop and promote financing tools that enable energy efficiency by
bridging some of the gaps between when expenses are incurred and
when cost savings are achieved.
3. Use price signals in permit fees for new construction as well as
renovations to existing buildings to reward energy efficiency and
greenhouse gas reductions.
SOURCE: 2008 Emissions Inventory; City of Vancouver

*An updated 2011 Emissions Inventory is expected to be available in 2012.
Green Jobs
building commissioning agent
building operator
energy modeller
energy manager
green roof technician
green renovator and contractor
insulation specialist
24
energy-efficient lighting
specialist
drafter and architect
weatherization specialist
educator
education and outreach programs to engage building

occupants
regulation
Technology and building science can take us part of the way to our
target, but the people who live and work inside buildings are just as
importanttheir choices make a big difference in the amount
of electricity and water consumed, the waste produced, and the
effective operation of green building technologies such as natural
ventilation systems.
Research shows that successful greenhouse gas reduction plans

in other cities have all included regulation as a tool to achieve
their goals. The City will aim to develop policy that is simple and
raises requirements consistently and predictably in order to reduce
uncertainty for developers and others in the market.
Financing tools and incentives to green existing
buildings
Financing tools and incentives provide ways to address concerns of
affordability and fairness, and increase the pace of change towards
green developments and retrofits. One example of this strategy is the
development of the Home Energy Loan Program, which provides
homeowners with affordable financing for energy efficiency upgrades.
The money saved on energy bills can significantly offset the loan
payments.

to Get there
The strategies listed here need to be implemented together. It is
the synergies between regulation, financing tools and incentives,
as well as capacity building and education, that will achieve the
Green Building goal. Support is also needed from partners in the
design, development, and construction industries, as well as from
organizations providing education and capacity building services.
Capacity building
The City is in a unique position to bring together different groups
and build partnerships that ensure there are enough skilled workers
to meet the needs of a rapidly growing green building sector. This
will make a significant contribution to new green jobs in Vancouver.
Actions range from continued leadership in building City-run
facilities that achieve net zero or living building standards, to
the distribution of Green Home Renovation Guides and Passive
Design Toolkits.
25
canaDas first net zero resiDential builDing

calls vancouver home
In 2010, a new and affordable housing development for
seniors in Southeast False Creek became the first
multi-unit residential building in Canada to generate as
much energy as it uses (net zero). Because this is a first,
there are some lessons to be learned and adjustments
to be made along the way.
How did they do it? The designers cut energy
consumption to a fraction of what a conventional building
would use. They did this through techniques such as solar
access and shading, natural cross-ventilation, tripleglazed windows, renewable energy sources, and visual
feedback tools in each unit that encourage residents to
reduce their energy use.
An open-corridor design gives every suite two outside
walls, which means daylight and open windows can
replace the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.
Grass and plants on the roof provide a green, attractive
space for residents while also reducing the need for air
conditioning. The building is powered by a district energy
heat-recovery system and rooftop solar technology that
provides hot water to the building.
In February 2010, this net zero building helped the
Southeast False Creek development achieve the highest
possible designation from the US Green Building Council
a LEEd-Nd (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
design, Neighbourhood development) Platinum
certification.
All new building rezonings in Vancouver

are required to meet the building
industrys LEEd Gold standard for
environmental performance.
26
GoLd stAndArd For new buiLdinGs

As of July 2010, all new building rezonings in Vancouver are required to meet the building
industrys LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standard for
environmental performance. The LEED rating system is an internationally recognized tool for
assessing green buildings. The levels of certification offered by LEED are Certified, Silver, Gold,
and Platinum.
27
4/
28
Make walking, cycling, and public transit

preferred transportation options.
GrEEN
TrANSPorTATIoN
tArGets:
1. maKe the majority (over 50%) of trips
by foot, bicycle, anD public transit.
2. reDuce average Distance Driven per
resiDent by 20% from 2007 levels.
How we move around a city makes a big difference to our quality of
life. The air we breathe, the amount of land we need, our physical
health and well-being, and the cost of travel are all impacted by our
transportation choices. Green transportation includes transit, as well
as active transportation like cycling and walking. It is also about the
places we see and experiences we have on the way to our destinations.
To achieve the Green Transportation goal, we need to make
Vancouver a city where moving on foot or by bike is safe, convenient,
and enjoyable. Transit should be fast, frequent, reliable, accessible,
and comfortable, getting you where you need to go when you need
to get there. Streets, public spaces, and neighbourhoods should be
vibrant places that are alive with people, plants, and activities.
29
bAseLine numbers
In 2008, around 40% of trips to and within the city were by foot,
bike, or transit, up from 33% in 1994. With the high number of
residents using the Canada Line that opened in 2009, its likely that
these numbers have continued to grow.
complete list of Green Transportation actions can be found in the
Greenest City 2020 Action Plan available at talkgreenvancouver.ca
Currently there is no 2007 baseline data for the second Green

Transportation target of reducing the distance driven per resident.
City staff are working with partner agencies to identify how data
collection for distances driven can be improved.
1. Complete a new Active Transportation Master Plan and update the

Transportation Plan with direction from the strategies and actions in
the Greenest City Action Plan. Vancouvers last Transportation Plan
was completed in 1997, with most actions either completed or in
progress. These new plans will provide the strategies and framework
for the next decade of action.
2. Improve pedestrian safety by developing and implementing a
pedestrian safety study and action plan.
3. Support transportation and active transportation planning with land
use policies that enable the City to meet mobility and transportation
targets.
4. Work with TransLink and the Province to advocate for high-capacity,
fast, frequent and reliable rapid transit for the Broadway Corridor
from Commercial Drive to the University of British Columbia.
5. Pursue the development and installation of a bike-share program
in Vancouvers downtown and other high-potential cycling areas.
Multiple bike-share stations would provide easy access to affordable
rental bikes for short trips around the city.

make active transportation choices such as walking and
cycling feel safe, convenient, comfortable and fun for all
ages and abilities
Green Jobs
public bicycle operator and
technician
car-share manager and
scheduler
transit operator
30
transportation engineer
road and public realm
maintenance crew
educator
Many of us may want to choose our walking shoes or bicycle instead of

the car, but barriers such as feelings of safety, comfort or convenience
can get in the way. This strategy aims to address these concerns. Some
key actions include: safer and more convenient bike routes, better bike
parking and end-of-trip facilities, more dedicated pedestrian-priority
spaces, streets and sidewalks that encourage active transportation, and
improved safety through design, education and enforcement.
Plan for complete communities to encourage increased

walking and cycling and to support improved transit
service
Some key actions include: supporting electric vehicles with convenient

charging stations and other infrastructure, and integrating electric
vehicle use into City operations.
A complete community is one that provides the services we use such

as grocery stores, coffee shops, and post offices all within a convenient
distance from where we live.
work with local and regional partners on a sustainable

goods-movement strategy that supports a growing
economy while reducing GhG emissions
Some key actions include: planning for mixed-use areas with

pedestrian-oriented public spaces so that goods and services are
within a safe and enjoyable 10-minute walk from where people
live; planning for new development that supports existing and
new transit infrastructure; and encouraging new housing choices
in existing walkable neighbourhoods to reduce household and
transportation costs.
support transit improvements to increase capacity
and ensure that service is fast, frequent, reliable, fully
accessible, and comfortable
Its important for people to know that their bus or SkyTrain will be
there when and where they need it. In community consultations,
residents have said that these kinds of improvements would increase
the amount they use transit services.
Some key actions include: working with the Province and TransLink
to enable new financing tools to help pay for expanded transit service;
improving the transit experience through better design of waiting
areas; protecting future transit corridors; and expanding measures
to improve the reliability of transit services.
Advance policies that encourage residents to reduce
car ownership and use
In addition to transit services and more complete communities, the
City can use other tools to create opportunities for reduced car use
among residents.
Some key actions include: expanding support for car sharing; better
management of on-street parking; unbundling the cost of parking
from housing; and working with partners to encourage work-fromhome and other programs that reduce the need for vehicle trips.
Accelerate the shift to low- and zero-carbon-emission
vehicles
Since cars are going to be a part of our city for some time to come,
it is important to support technologies and infrastructure that reduce
the environmental impact of these vehicles.
Vancouvers Green Transportation targets are dependent on partnerships with others in the region. They include not just how individuals
move around the city, but also how products and goods are transported.
Actions include: protecting key goods-movement corridors (especially
rail); encouraging low-impact goods movement such as low-carbon
trucks and bicycle transportation; and encouraging the right-sizing of
delivery and service vehicles.

to Get there
The City can do a great deal when it comes to greening transportation,
but there is significant need for support from other agencies like
TransLink, the Province, Metro Vancouver, and ICBC in order to
achieve these targets.
Vancouver needs to achieve the Green Transportation targets in order
to meet the 2020 targets for Climate Leadership, Lighter Footprint, and
Air Quality. Green Transportation is also tied to Access to Nature and
specific actions such as building new greenways and upgrading portions
of our bikeways to greenways.
City-wide, 24-hour mode share (%) of all trips to and
within city by walking, cycling and transit
60%
TRANSIT
WALK & CYCLE
45%
30%
15%
0%
1994
1999
2004
2008
2020
TARGET
31
hoW many Ways can We use

a city street?
canaDa line anD

the olympics legacy
In 2009, Vancouver started to

answer this question with the
Summer Spaces program, initiated
in four different neighbourhoods.
Summer Spaces closed streets to
cars and opened up the asphalt to
a whole range of activities including
badminton, salsa dancing, street
hockey, art lessons, choirs, food
carts, lounging on couches, and
much more.
The 2010 olympic and Paralympic

Winter Games built our confidence
and capacity to deal with large
increases in public transit use. It
showed that we can increase the
number of residents who use public
transportation, walking, or cycling to
get around our city.
In 2010, the open Streets program

expanded to include five blocks of
Granville Street and is expected
to continue, creating more
opportunities for community
members to share the road. The
program is now known as Viva
Vancouver. Find out about upcoming
activities at vancouver.ca/viva
The Canada Line was a key piece

of this transportation puzzle,
boasting a current ridership that
wasnt projected to be reached
until 2013. The Canada Line has also
encouraged new approaches to
coordinated transportation and land
use planning, which work together
to create neighbourhoods that
encourage us to choose active or
public transportation options.
Six out of 10 metro Vancouver

residents who currently drive have
said they would shift to public
transportation if they had the level
of service provided during the
olympics. We know that this future
is possible and that people are ready
for it.
We know
that a green
transportation
future is possible
and that people
are ready for it.
32
enCourAGinG sustAinAbLe
trAnsPortAtion mAkes sense
For mAny reAsons:
Health Sustainable transportation choices mean healthier and more active citizens, cleaner
air, and reduced accident risk, all of which result in higher quality of life and reduced public
healthcare costs.
Resiliency Great transportation cities are better prepared to deal with the uncertainty
of rising gas prices since they are less reliant on fossil fuels. They also have the capacity and
flexibility to host big events and the ability to respond to the unexpected.
Affordability Sustainable transportation can be more affordable than driving and can reduce
the need for residents to own cars. Households that go car-free or car-lite can save thousands of
dollars each year. This is money that can be spent on housing or in the local economy.
Community Cities that focus on moving people rather than cars have more vibrant public
spaces, which provide richer cultural experiences and more opportunities for social interaction.
Economy Sustainable transportation choices support a strong economy by enabling
the exchange of goods, services, and ideas throughout the city. Implementing the Green
Transportation plan positions Vancouver as a place where the world wants to live, work,
and do business. It also increases our reputation as a tourism destination, creating jobs and
opportunities for residents.
Environment Motor vehicles are some of largest sources of greenhouse gases and other
pollutants. Sustainable transportation choices help us clean our air, reduce our carbon footprint,
and lead toward a stable climate future.
33
5/
34
Create zero waste.
ZEro WASTE
tArGet:
reDuce soliD Waste going to the lanDfill
or incinerator by 50% from 2008 levels.
Garbage has become so common that it can be hard to imagine life
without it. From plastic packaging on food and out-dated televisions
to bins of debris outside construction sites, waste can seem like an
inevitable result of how we live our lives. But it doesnt have to be.
A zero waste future is not only possible, its also critical to solving
todays climate crisis and other environmental challenges. Methane,
for example, is a powerful climate-altering greenhouse gas released
when things like food scraps and grass clippings are buried in
landfills and decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) instead of in
their natural state through composting. Just as the transportation of
goods produces greenhouse gas emissions so does the transportation
of waste as more and more trucks are needed to pick up and haul our
garbage to landfills or incinerators.
Sending recyclable materials to the landfill or incinerator also means
were throwing away valuable resources. If we can harvest these
materials from our waste it reduces the need to mine more metals
from the earth or harvest more trees from the forest. As resources
become more scarce and ecosystems become more fragile, its that
much more important that we conserve what we already have and put
it to its highest use.
35

complete list of Zero Waste actions can be found in the Greenest City
2020 Action Plan available at talkgreenvancouver.ca
1. Expand the food scraps composting program for residents. This
action includes collecting all food scraps from single-family homes
and piloting food scraps collection programs in apartments and
condominiums.
2. Develop education and enforcement programs to keep recyclables out
of the waste stream. This action builds on existing regulations to
keep glass, metals, paper, and some plastics from the Citys garbage
collection. It includes tactics to raise awareness about the importance
of waste reduction and recycling, community-based social marketing
to overcome barriers, cooperation with community groups, and
enforcement of disposal bans at the household and business level.
3. Advocate for more Extended Producer Responsibility programs for
packaging and more. Through research and advocacy, the City will
encourage the Province to require companies to take responsibility
for recycling the products and packaging they put on the market.
bAseLine numbers
Vancouver sends approximately 480,000 tonnes of waste to
landfill or incinerator each year. Thats enough to fill a line
of garbage trucks from Vancouver City Hall to Kamloops.
About half of this waste comes from industrial, commercial,
or institutional sources. About one third comes from residents
and the rest comes from demolition, land clearing, and
construction.
Green Jobs
waste reduction consultant
e-waste specialist
building deconstruction
labourer
recycling facility operator
lending library staff
reuse centre staff
waste technician
36
4. Develop a building deconstruction program. This action focuses on

policies to prevent wood and other materials from being sent to the
landfill or incinerator through a process that takes apart buildings
and salvages materials, rather than a traditional demolition method.

Moving Vancouver toward a zero waste future is going to require
changing behaviours and changing the system so that the least wasteful
options are the most convenient. The key strategies to reach the Zero
Waste targets include:
nurture a zero waste culture
waste collector
compost collector
recycling materials handler
supply chain manager
building manager
educator
Through a combination of education, collaboration, and enforcement,

this strategy aims to change Vancouver residents attitudes and choices
about the waste they produce.
Actions include: collaborating with Metro Vancouver to develop
education programs; enforcing disposal bans at the household and
business level; supporting community assets and infrastructure like
lending libraries, recycling drop-off locations, and neighbourhood
composters; and inviting organizations and community groups to
adopt the 2020 Zero Waste target for their own operations.
Make reducing and reusing a priority
Keep recyclables out of landfills and incinerators
The first two of the three Rsreducing and reusingare even more
important for a zero waste society than recycling. This strategy helps
to avoid the extraction of raw resources and conserves the energy
used to produce new products.
About 13% of Vancouvers garbage consists of items such as paper,

glass, metal, and some plastics that are actually banned from the
landfill and incinerator and could be recycled through existing
programs. Improvements in this area will make a big difference in
achieving the Zero Waste goal.
Actions include: grants for sharing co-ops and lending libraries for
things like tools, toys, and vehicles; a centre for salvaged building
materials that could incubate new reuse and recycling markets;
and advocacy at the provincial level for manufacturers to reduce
packaging and to adopt cradle-to-cradle designs that extend the life
of consumer goods.
Capture the compostables
Food scraps, compostable paper, yard trimmings, and other organics
make up about a third of Vancouvers waste stream. Capturing these
organic materials represents the greatest near-term opportunity for
reducing waste that goes to landfill or incinerator.
Actions include: collecting the full spectrum of food scraps
and compostable paper from single-family households; piloting
a collection program for compostables from apartments and
condominiums; and ensuring compostables are collected from all
apartments, condominiums, businesses, and institutions by 2015.
Be a catalyst for Extended Producer Responsibility
(EPR)
Actions include: pursuing options to enforce disposal bans on

recyclables at the household and business level; making recycling
more convenient for apartments and condominiums; and developing
a Zero Waste Certification program in collaboration with interested
parties to recognize businesses and institutions that meet wastereduction criteria.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle more construction,
renovation and demolition waste
Currently, about 76% of the waste created through the construction of
new buildings or the demolition of old ones is recycled or in the case
of wood, used for energy. However, there is still more to be done to
achieve our Zero Waste goal.
Actions include: reducing barriers to increase the salvage and reuse
of building materials in construction projects; pursuing options for
waste reduction and recycling at job sites, including regulation and
financial incentives; and establishing more collection locations for
clean wood.
EPR, also known as product stewardship or take-back programs, can

be seen in actions like our deposit system on cans and bottles. Under
EPR programs, manufacturers are responsible for what happens to
their product through its entire life, which creates the incentive to
design products that last longer, have less wasteful packaging, and
are easier to reuse or recycle. EPR is the key strategy for achieving the
Zero Waste goal and is necessary to achieve a green economy.
Foster a closed-loop economy
Actions include: enhancing existing EPR programs through zoning

and licensing processes that increase the number of take-back
locations; more public education; and advocacy at the provincial level
for new EPR programs for things like packaging, hazardous waste,
building materials, carpet, furniture, and textiles.
Actions include: developing an assessment framework to ensure

materials are put to their highest use (reused, recycled, or converted
to energy) and greenhouse gas emissions are minimized; working
with the Vancouver Economic Commission to attract recycling
companies for materials that will be collected through future EPR
programs; and advocating at the provincial level for policies that
build markets for recycled materials.
Resources such as metals, wood, and other materials currently flow

in a single direction, entering our economy as products and leaving
it as waste. In contrast, a closed-loop economy keeps these resources
in circulation by using them in new products. This approach mirrors
processes found in the natural world, which treat waste from one
source as food for another.
37

to Get there
At a regional level, Metro Vancouver is hard at work on waste
reduction and recycling strategies, and Vancouver needs to work
closely with Metro in order to achieve our own target. Leadership
will also be required from the businesses and residents that call
Vancouver home. The Zero Waste goal is closely tied to the Greenest
City goals of Green Economy, Climate Leadership, Lighter Footprint,
Clean Water, and Local Food.
Pathways to 50% waste reduction target
500,000
450,000
can vancouver go plastic bag free?

Under the Vancouver Charter, the City does not have
the clear legal authority to ban or tax plastic bags.
To reduce the use of plastic bags, the plan includes an
action to form a community advisory group that will
create a strategy and campaign for a plastic-bag-free
Vancouver. The Province of British Columbia recently
introduced legislation that will require businesses to
take responsibility for the bags they distribute, starting
in 2014.
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
TARGET: 50% LESS SOLID WASTE

TO LANDFILL OR INCINERATOR
200,000
150,000
can i borroW your table saW?

community members open
vancouvers first tool library
100,000
50,000
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
CAPTURE THE COMPOSTABLES (20% REDUCTION)
BE A CATALYST FOR EPR (4% REDUCTION - PACKAGING)
KEEP RECYCLABLES OUT OF LANDFILL (6% REDUCTION)
REDUCE, REUSE, & RECYCLE MORE CONSTRUCTION,
RENOVATION & DEMOLITION WASTE (11% REDUCTION)
FOSTER A CLOSED-LOOP ECONOMY (9% REDUCTION)
GARBAGE LANDFILLED OR INCINERATED
SOURCE: Waste Diversion Opportunities - Total Waste Disposed by All Sectors:

Residential, ICI & DLC (2008)
The Vancouver Tool Library (VTL) is a membershipbased cooperative that loans a wide variety of tools for
home repair, gardening, and bicycle maintenance in a
format similar to a book library. organizers plan to offer
workshops and community events as well.
The VTL is part of a growing movement toward a
sharing economy, which is built on the idea that we
can access the things we need without having to own
them all ourselves. The benefits include saving money,
reducing waste, and strengthening relationships within
our community. other examples include car-share
programs, co-working spaces, and online creative
commons.
The VTL was started by a small group of Vancouverites
with a vision for a community empowered by the tools
and skills needed to transform their homes and communities into vibrant spaces that reflect a commitment
to sustainability. As a member-driven organization,
the VTL is supported through fundraisers, grants, and
individual memberships. vancouvertoollibrary.com
38
A GoLd mine
in our GArbAGe
What we call waste is often a valuable
resource when used in another context
like the nutrients in food scraps that can
be returned to the soil, or metals that can
be reused in new products.
Making use of what we already have
reduces the need for energy and resources
during the production of new items.
Recycling an aluminum can, for example,
uses 95% less energy than producing one
from new materials. This concept applies
to large-scale manufacturing as well as
personal reuse or recycling choices.
39
6/
40
Vancouver residents enjoy incomparable

access to green spaces, including the
worlds most spectacular urban forest.
ACCESS To NATUrE
tArGets:
1. all vancouver resiDents live Within a fiveminute WalK of a parK, greenWay, or other
green space by 2020.
2. plant 150,000 neW trees by 2020.
Just over a hundred years ago, Vancouver was a forest of western red
cedar and Douglas-fir trees growing hundreds of feet tall. Today,
the beauty of the natural world continues to influence Vancouvers
identity and contribute to our reputation as one of the worlds most
livable cities.
Anyone who has walked through a park on the first sunny day of
spring has experienced the importance of green spaces to the health
of individuals and communities. Whether they take the form of a
community garden, a city park, a greenway along your block or the
seawall, green spaces have been shown to benefit our physical and
emotional health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress.
These spaces also contribute to our sense of community by creating
places for recreation activities, for children to play and for neighbours
to meet and socialize.
41
bAseLine numbers
Currently, about 92% of city residents live within a five-minute walk

of a park or green space. Green space can include parks and fields,
greenways, the seawall, street mini-parks, natural green spaces, as
well as park-like spaces such as the grounds around institutional
buildings like City Hall, hospitals, and schools. It also includes linear
green space such as the seawall and the extensive Champlain Heights
walkway system.
complete list of Access to Nature actions can be found in the Greenest
The City of Vancouver has planted an average of about 2,000 new

street trees each year for the last 20 years, with about 2,800 planted
in 2011, a modest increase over recent years. The tree type, age,
caretaking history, and other data is carefully collected for all of
Vancouvers 138,000 street trees. This information is managed by
the Park Board to ensure a healthy urban forest. The number of trees
planted in parks, on other public properties (the Vancouver School
Board, for example) and private properties is not currently tracked.
The intention behind the 150,000 trees target is to expand and
enhance Vancouvers urban forest. This target contributes to
increased wildlife habitat, decreased stormwater runoff, and
increased food production.
Access to green space in Vancouver
NO ACCESS TO PUBLIC
GREEN SPACE WITHIN 400M
ACCESS TO PUBLIC
GREEN SPACE WITHIN 400M
PUBLIC GREEN SPACE
Green Jobs
habitat restoration specialist
tree planter/landscaper
arborist
integrated pest management
specialist
42
landscape architect
contractor/labourer
educator
1. Create four to six new mini-parks by converting street right-of-ways to

parks. These parks will be developed in consultation with the local
community to determine their use as community gardens, plazas,
local orchards, community yards, or naturalized habitat.
2. Work to acquire new parks in priority neighbourhoods.
3. Plant 15,000 new trees on City land and other public property.
4. Green Hastings Park.

Reaching the Access to Nature targets will require planting more
trees on our streets and in our backyards and public spaces, as well as
adding more green space to our existing neighbourhoods. Since these
actions happen at a local level, a robust public engagement process
where local community groups, residents, schools, businesses and
staff are actively involved in this transformation will be necessary to
achieve success.
build and upgrade parks and greenways
Strategies to achieve a five-minute walk to a park or greenway include
converting flanking or underutilized streets into mini-parks, building
new parks in park-deficient neighbourhoods, and upgrading bikeways
into greenways through additions such as new trees, public art and
water fountains.
Plant trees
In order to plant 150,000 new trees, we need to develop an Urban
Forest Management Plan. The urban forest includes all the trees in
the city, including those on streets, in parks and in backyards. This
plan will help guide the management and growth of the forest while
setting out planting guidelines, recommendations for tree bylaw
changes, and ideas for tree planting programs on private land.
Focus neighbourhood by neighbourhood
These strategies will be rolled out locally. Every year, two neighbourhoods will be selected starting with those that are the most
park- and tree-deficient and have recently undergone a community
planning process. The one-year goals for these neighbourhoods
are to ensure:

to Get there
When it comes to achieving these targets, creativity will be key.
Finding land for new parks is possible but can be challenging, so well
need innovative ways, such as neighbourhood-scale mini-parks, to
ensure that all Vancouver residents have accessible green space.
The City has the capacity to modestly increase the number of street
trees that are planted on its properties. It will need to work with
other public landholders like the Vancouver School Board and the
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority to increase trees planted in
other public spaces. The City will also need to work closely with
private property owners to encourage tree planting and stewardship.
The Access to Nature goal is closely connected to several other
Greenest City goals including Green Economy, Climate Leadership,
Green Transportation, Lighter Footprint, Clean Air, and Local Food.
Planting an urban forest: a breakdown of where
150,000 new trees will be planted
TREES ON PRIVATE LAND: 54,000 (36%)
4%
STREET TREES: 45,000 (30%)

TREES IN PARKS: 45,000 (30%)
36%
30%
TREES ON OTHER PUBLIC LAND: 6,000 (4%)
30%
Every suitable space in a street or park is planted with a tree.

Many trees are planted on private property.
There are enough green spaces to ensure everyone lives within
a five-minute walk of a park, greenway, or other green space.
This will be done in partnership with local residents. The community
will be invited to work with City staff to decide where additional
green space should go and how it should be designed. Local residents
will also be encouraged to bring their ideas forward and to work with
their neighbours to make the ideas happen.
lets start planting

Planting 150,000 new trees is the equivalent of one tree
planted for every four Vancouver residents.
43
have your trees anD eat them too

(or at least the fruit)
Vancouvers Park Board has begun to provide more
opportunities for food production in the park system, in
response to community requests and the Greenest City
2020 Action Plan.
New community gardens have recently been designed
and installed in mount Pleasant Park, as well as on the
roof top of the West End Community Centre. There are
fruit and nut trees throughout many of Vancouvers
parks, including Falaise Park, ross Park, memorial
West Park, Fraserview Golf Course and New Brighton
Park. many other edible plants can also be found in
Vancouvers parks.
All of these food producing sites have been designed,
and are stewarded, in close collaboration with
community organizations and students to ensure that
the food is harvested and used.
From micro-organisms in the soil to

large shade-providing trees, our urban
eco-systems help protect the regions
plants and animals and help enhance the
quality of life that we all enjoy.
44
your LoCAL PArk

more thAn meets the eye
When we think of parks, urban forests, community gardens, shorelines and other green spaces,
its easy to picture picnics or walks on the beach or games of Frisbee. What may be less obvious
is that these urban ecosystems also help to clean the air we breathe, absorb rainfall, filter toxins
from stormwater runoff, provide food for bees and other plant pollinators, regulate temperature
and much more.
From micro-organisms in the soil to large shade-providing trees, our urban ecosystems help
protect the regions plants and animals and also help improve our health and enhance the quality
of life that we all enjoy.
45
7/
46
Achieve a one-planet ecological footprint.
LIGHTEr FooTPrINT
tArGet:
reDuce vancouvers ecological footprint
by 33% over 2006 levels.
Everything we need comes from our one planetwhat we eat, the
things we buy, the way we transport ourselves, the electricity that
powers our homes, the metals and plastics in our computers, the
air we breatheits a long list. The amount of productive land and
sea resources we use to meet these needs is called our ecological
footprint. It measures the impact of our actions against the reality
of our planets finite ability to provide for us.
Imagine if you had just under two hectares of land and sea to provide
you with all these goods and services and to absorb all the waste
you produce in the course of your life this year. If you divide up the
earths biologically productive capacity by the number of people on
our planet, this is about how much land we each get. Its equivalent to
an area the size of Stanley Park supporting about 200 people.
Reducing our ecological footprint is about living within ecological
limits, and it is also about using a fair Earth share of resources. It
is about striving for a one-planet footprint and a city that is vibrant,
healthy, safe, and just.
47
bAseLine numbers
On average, Vancouver residents use about three times more land

and sea resources than our fair share. If everyone lived the way
we do, wed need more than three planets to sustain us. In other
words, our current ecological footprint is unsustainable.
The following are the highest priority actions for 20112014.

The complete list of Lighter Footprint actions can be
found in the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan available at
talkgreenvancouver.ca
By looking at the make-up of our ecological footprint we can

start to see what kinds of choices will have the biggest impact on
our one-planet goal. Choosing food that is local and lower on the
food chain are two examples. Our transportation choices, the
things we purchase, and the way we handle waste are other areas
that have a big impact on our footprint.
1. Start a neighbourhood-focused pilot project. Collaborate with

a specific Vancouver neighbourhood to showcase and test
Greenest City infrastructure and initiatives, and create a plan
to extend the lessons out to other communities in the city.
whats in Vancouvers ecological footprint?

0%
FOOD (40%)
12%
SENIOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES (18%)

CONSUMABLES & WASTE (15%)
TRANSPORTATION (15%)
15%
40%
BUILDINGS (12%)
WATER (O%)
15%
18%
SOURCE: Using data from J. Moore, 2011 (in progress).
Green Jobs
neighbourhood pilot program
coordinator
community-based repair
person
engagement and monitoring
tool developer
48
sustainability consultant
community planner
grants administrator
educator
2. Fund community-based organizations. Provide resources,

such as the Greenest City Neighbourhood Grants to
community organizations engaged in activities that support
Greenest City targets.
3. Open up the Greenest City data. In collaboration with the
Citys Open Data Initiative, work to make Greenest City data
available and enable other organizations to use and share it in
innovative and useful ways.

measure and report
Report on the progress and highlight the successes from
implementing the other nine Greenest City 2020 Action Plan
goals. This will help to maximize the potential footprint
reductions.
engage, encourage, and enable
Engage and support residents, businesses, non-profits, and other
community members to work together to create diverse lighter
footprint solutions.
exemplify
Demonstrate lighter footprint actions and choices in City
operations such as parks and community centres and in City
services such as garbage collection, street maintenance, and
special events.
49

to Get there
The Lighter Footprint goal and target connect to many of the other
Greenest City goal areas. Specific targets and actions in the Green
Building, Green Transportation, Zero Waste, and Local Food plans
will have a positive impact on reducing our ecological footprint.
However, the Citys ability to influence the decisions that will lead
to a reduced footprint is limited.
The work to meet this goal and target is an opportunity for
creativity and leadership from other levels of government, as well
as from businesses and local residents.
wedge analysis of the reduction in ecological
footprint expected from proposed GCAP actions
Longterm Goal:
One Ecological
Footprint
2020
2008
hoW Do We become
a one-planet city?
Vancouver is one of many cities
around the world that are working
hard to answer this question. There
are no easy answers and no onesize-fits-all approach.
on their own, City-led actions can
only achieve about one third of the
target. The active participation of
the whole community, including
individuals, businesses, and other
organizations will be essential
for achieving the remaining two
thirds. Thats why the actions in
this plan are focused on supporting
partnerships to create the tools,
resources and opportunities for all
of us, in our own way, to meet this
challenge and succeed.
19.7%
13.3%
TARGET: 33% REDUCTION IN VANCOUVERS

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OVER 2006 LEVELS
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
CONSUMABLES
CITY-LED (2% REDUCTION)
COMMUNITY (2% REDUCTION)
TRANSPORTATION
CITY-LED (2% REDUCTION)
COMMUNITY (1.8% REDUCTION)
FOOD
CITY (3.4% REDUCTION)
COMMUNITY (3.4% REDUCTION)
WASTE
CITY (0.5% REDUCTION)
ACTIONS YET TO BE
DETERMINED (13.3%)
SOURCE: Using data from J. Moore, 2011 (in progress).
50
2020
BUILDINGS
CITY-LED (3.6% REDUCTION)
COMMUNITY (1% REDUCTION)
more and more cities

are asking the question,
How do we live within
our fair Earth share?
your useLess is my useFuL!

the strAthConA business imProVement
AssoCiAtion resourCe exChAnGe
No business owner wants to see products, time, or money go to waste. So in 2009, the Strathcona
Business Improvement Association (SBIA) recognized that it could support its members to
reduce waste and improve their environmental performance.
The SBIA launched a Resource Exchange program that helps local businesses collaborate to
connect the waste materials from one business with the needs of anotherall the while reducing
their waste-hauling bill, decreasing the amount of garbage going to the landfill, and lightening
their neighbourhoods ecological footprint.
The Resource Exchange was the first project of the SBIAs Green Zone Initiative, a strategy to
improve the environmental sustainability of SBIA members, attract and retain green businesses,
and foster eco-industrial activity. SBIA members can post materials as diverse as coffee grounds
(good for compost), plastic packaging, fabric scraps and wood waste to the exchange or work
with the sustainability coordinator to do this. The SBIA is able to create partnerships with other
businesses or the many artists in the area to find uses for materials that would otherwise be sent
to the landfill or recycling station.
From September 2010 to March 2011, the program diverted over two tonnes from the recycling
bin or landfill while engaging over 50 member businesses and over 60 local artists.
51
8/
52
Vancouver will have the best drinking

water of any city in the world.
CLEAN WATEr
tArGets:
1. meet or beat the strongest of british
columbian, canaDian, anD appropriate
international DrinKing Water Quality
stanDarDs anD guiDelines.
2. reDuce per capita Water consumption
by 33% from 2006 levels.
In Vancouver, it can be easy to take our high-quality and abundant
drinking water for granted. Water is all around uswe have the
Pacific Ocean, the Fraser River, many mountain lakes, and significant
annual rain fall. However, factors such as population growth and
climate change will impact our access to water in the future. Together,
the City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver are responsible for
ensuring that current residents and future generations continue to
have access to clean drinking water.
Currently, residents pay an annual fixed fee (flat rate) regardless of
how much water they consume. However, industrial, commercial,
institutional, and multi-family residential buildings are metered and
pay for water based on the volume they use. Studies have shown that
Canadians who pay flat rates consume an average of 74% more water
than those who are connected to their consumption levels through a
volume-based pricing system.
Over the next five years, Metro Vancouver will be increasing water
rates by 50% to recover the costs for new water-quality initiatives.
This is in addition to any volume or usage-based pricing that might
be implemented.
53
bAseLine numbers
Vancouver water use by sector
The City of Vancouver has a well-established water quality

monitoring program that involves routine testing from representative
locations across the city. Our drinking water consistently meets
BCs Drinking Water Protection Regulation standards and Health
Canadas Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
Vancouver residents consume an average of 320 litres of water per
day (measured in 2006). Thats more than double other similar cities
like Melbourne, London or Copenhagen, which have per capita
consumption rates between 150 and 220 litres per day. Although
total water consumption across all sectors (residential, commercial,
industrial) has decreased over the last 25 years, we still have a long
way to go to live within our means.
Comparison of municipal water consumption & prices
350
$10
300
250
200
$5
150
1 & 2 FAMILY HOMES (30%)
4%
MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS (26%)
11%
30%
INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL,
INSTITUTIONAL (25%)
SYSTEM LEAKAGE (11%)
PARKS (4%)
OTHER (INCLUDING COV PROPERTIES)
(4%)
25%
26%

complete list of Clean Water actions can be found in the Greenest City
1. Water metering for new homes. Effective January 2012, all new
single-family and two-family homes will have water meters
installed and will move to volume-based pricing of their water use.
Evidence shows that this leads to increased conservation.
2. Develop and implement enhanced water education, incentive,
and conservation programs. This includes incentive programs for
low-flow toilets and increased education and enforcement of lawn
sprinkling regulations.
100
50
0
0
DAILY WATER USE
COMBINED COST OF WATER &
WASTEWATER
* As of January 2012, water rates for Vancouver have increased by approximately 10%
Green Jobs
pilot programs manager
retrofit and incentives program
manager
municipal water utility
operator
water leak detector
54
4%

educator
engineering assistant
water sampler
water quality program
coordinator
3. Expand public access to drinking water and reduce use of bottled

water. Deploy more portable fountains, as well as permanent
freeze-resistant fountains, and water bottle filling stations.
4. Eliminate combined sewer overflows from outfalls at Crowe and
Burrard streets and develop Integrated Rainwater Management
Plans for the City.

Ensuring we continue to have world class drinking water quality and
a supply that meets our needs will require significant water efficiency
improvements and appropriate regulation. It will also mean helping
to connect people with the value and amount of water they use.

to Get there
water quality strategies
STRENGTHEN WATER QUALITY
& PROTECTION (33%)
monitor and protect water quality

This strategy will build on existing actions, such as real-time water
quality monitoring for early detection of contaminants, increased
testing, and the prevention of drinking water contamination.
LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY (33%)
33%
33%
PUBLIC ACCESS TO DRINKING

WATER (33%)
Continue leadership and advocacy

Some of the actions here focus on developing an Integrated Rainwater
Management Plan that includes infiltration and rainwater capture
as well as a water use study at City and Park Board facilities to find
opportunities for increased water conservation.
expand public access to drinking water
This strategy focuses on a continued expansion of year-round public
access to municipal drinking water in public spaces. This also supports the Zero Waste target by discouraging the use of bottled water.
implement policies and programs to enhance water
conservation
The City is able to encourage water conservation through regulations
and accompanying education. This includes incentive and rebate
programs as well as policy and regulatory changes around metering,
lawn sprinkling, and building code revisions.
engage the public, industry, and business for improved
water conservation choices and habits
33%
Target 1 is expected to be achieved equally by each of the three strategies.
Metro Vancouver plays a lead role in ensuring high water quality for
all residents of the region. The new Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant
will protect water quality for many years to come. The City also has an
important role to play in monitoring and in working with residents and
businesses to protect water quality and to prevent water waste.
The Clean Water goal requires coordination with the Green Building
goal and associated actions and strategies on issues of rainwater and
greywater capture and use. It also recognizes the need to coordinate
with Local Food actions, focusing on synergies between urban
agriculture and water conservation efforts.
water conservation strategies to achieve 33% reduction
Actions in this strategy include plans for communications, education,

and community-based social marketing, as well as audits of
industrial, institutional, and commercial water use.
install water-saving technology through incentives and
programs
Low-flow toilets, rain sensors for sprinkler systems, and water meters
are some of the many technologies that can improve water efficiency
in homes and businesses. This strategy includes actions such as
incentive and retrofit programs to install these tools in new and
existing buildings.
POLICY 3-9 YEAR (12%)
4.5%
ENGAGEMENT (6.5%)
LEADERSHIP (5%)
12%
5%
TOTAL 33%
REDUCTION
POLICY 1-3 YEAR (5%)

TECHNOLOGY (4.5%)
5%
6.5%
21% of the water conservation target is mapped out in this action plan; the remaining
12% will come from future policy and programs that are still to be developed.
55
success story:
tap Water maKes a comebacK
the seWer system

anD the Whale
returning rain
to its natural habitat
The City of Vancouver recently

phased out the sale of bottled water
at City Hall and other civic facilities.
Whats the connection between a

sewer system and a grey whale? In
the spring of 2010, Vancouver found
out.
When rainwater is allowed to seep

into the ground it reduces the water
and sediment that flows through
the sewers. This filters pollutants
from stormwater and reduces
maintenance requirements and costs
for the stormwater system. It also
recharges natural water systems,
which helps to support fish habitat
by more closely mimicking natural
processes.
Public confidence in drinking water

has improved since the 2008 launch
of metro Vancouvers Tap Water
campaign, which reminded residents
that our water is as good as it gets.
Since then, residents have reported
a 52% reduction in bottled water
consumption.
The story starts back in 1978 when

Vancouver City Council established a
program to begin transitioning from a
combined sewer collection system to
a separated one. A combined sewer
system collects domestic sewage,
industrial wastewater and stormwater
runoff all together. Heavy rainfall can
overflow the system, which sends
untreated excess wastewater into
local water bodies like False Creek,
harming local marine life.
In recent years, sewer separation
in False Creek has come close to
completion and water quality has
improved. Evidence of improved
ecosystem health showed up in the
spring of 2009 when a large amount
of herring roe was laid along the
shore of Habitat Island for the first
time in many years.
The following spring, an even larger
sign showed up when a grey whale
appeared for the first time in 100
years. marine biologists confirmed
that the whale was feeding on
herring roe and other benthic life that
was able to survive in the healthier
waterway.
56
Cleaner creeks, healthier water

tables, and a more natural aesthetic
also make neighbourhoods more
enjoyable places for playing, walking
and cycling. Grass-based and other
types of permeable pavers allow
rainwater to be absorbed into the
ground while maintaining a surface
for vehicles and other types of traffic.
Vancouver has already adopted
these pavement alternatives in some
areas. other features, such as swales,
can hold and absorb runoff that
would otherwise enter the piped
sewer system.
Climate change and water supply

Two protected freshwater lakes in the North Shore mountains and one in Coquitlam provide
drinking water to Vancouver and the region. These sources are expected to provide adequate
water until 2050. However, climate change may have unexpected effects on the rainfall and
snowfall patterns that supply these watersheds.
Expanding the water supply or finding a new one is financially and ecologically expensive.
Thats why conservation is the best way to live within our means and avoid the need for source
expansion.
57
9/
58
Breathe the cleanest air of any

major city in the world.
CLEAN AIr
target:
alWays meet or beat the most stringent air
Quality guiDelines from metro vancouver,
british columbia, canaDa, anD the WorlD
health organization.
Breathing might be one of the most natural things we do. We move
air in and out of our lungs anywhere from 720 to 1,200 times an hour.
Clean air can be easy to take for granted, even though it has a huge
impact on our health and well-being.
The quality of our air affects the health of everyone in our
community, particularly young children, pregnant women, seniors,
and other vulnerable populations. Although Vancouver enjoys
relatively clean air compared to other major North American cities,
even low levels of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide and carbon monoxide can negatively impact our health.
As Vancouver grows we create more and more air pollution through
exhaust from trucks, buses, ships, trains, planes, and industrial
operations. It will take work to improve our air quality.
59
bAseLine numbers
Metro Vancouver is responsible for air quality planning,
monitoring, and management within the region, and has
two monitoring stations in the City of Vancouverone in
Kitsilanoand one at Robson Square in the downtown core.
Vancouver has cleaner air than we did 20 years ago.
However, our air quality does not always meet the Greenest
City 2020 target. Achieving the Clean Air target will require
working in partnership with Metro Vancouver and other
levels of government, businesses, non-profit organizations,
and residents.
Green Jobs
GHG emissions auditor
air quality modeller
marine charging station
manufacturer and installer
vehicle charging station
manufacturer and installer
60
electric vehicle mechanic

environmental service provider
air quality tester
educator

complete list of Clean Air actions can be found in the Greenest City
1. Encourage electric vehicle transport. This action connects to the
Green Transportation plan. The increased use of vehicles such as
electric cars, which do not burn fossil fuels, improves air quality
and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Regulate uncontrolled wood-burning appliances for residential
buildings. Metro Vancouver is leading the way on this issue, and
the City of Vancouver is working closely with Metro to design
and implement their new policies and programs.
3. Establish a framework to integrate air quality considerations into
City of Vancouver planning.
4. Collaborate with Port Metro Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, and
BC Hydro on joint air quality issues.
enhance air quality assessment and planning

Children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing
lung and heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to poor air
quality. The City will work with its partners to consider these issues
in land use planning. The City will increase its understanding of the
role of air quality monitoring and computer modelling as they relate
to future projects like district energy systems, separated bike lanes,
and large redevelopments.
reduce marine vessel emissions while in port
Marine vessels are the major source of sulphur dioxide in our air.
One of the most effective ways to protect Vancouver residents and
visitors from exposure to marine engine emissions is to install
electrical shore power so that vessels do not have to idle their engines
while docked.
develop a strategy to address volatile organic
compounds (VoCs)
VOCs create the strong smells associated with paints, solvents, and
cleaners. These pollutants are important to address because they
contribute to ground-level ozone and fine particulates in our air,
both of which can cause health problems.

encourage cleaner modes of transportation
This strategy, which involves motor vehicles and non-road diesel
engines, will have the largest impact on air quality. It is closely
connected to the Green Transportation section of the GCAP. Some
of the actions include: establishing charging and fuelling
infrastructure for zero-emission electric and low-emission vehicles,
and increasing the use of electrical shore power for ocean vessels
using Vancouvers port.

to Get there
The Clean Air goal is closely linked with the Green Transportation
goal as many transportation strategies will have significant positive
effects on air quality in Vancouver and the region. There are also
links with Climate Leadership and some other important planning
initiatives at the City like the Urban Health Strategy. The City of
Vancouver will work closely with Metro Vancouver and many other
stakeholders to achieve this target.
reduce wood smoke from home wood-burning

appliances
The improper operation of wood-burning appliances generates
excessive smoke and fine particulate matter, which can cause a range
of health concerns. Metro Vancouver plays a large role in this area
and is part of a regional Wood Stove Exchange Program in which
residents are able to receive funding to update their appliances. The
City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver are exploring a range of
bylaws and regulatory options to reduce exposure to wood smoke
from residences.
61
EMITTER
POLLUTANTS
Sulphur Dioxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
Particulate Matter
RESPONSIBLE
JURISDICTION
Environment Canada
Port Metro Vancouver
MARINE VESSELS
Nitrogen Dioxide
Translink
Environment Canada
City of Vancouver
Nitrogen Dioxide
Particulate Matter
Metro Vancouver
Particulate Matter
Metro Vancouver
City of Vancouver
Volatile Organic
Compounds
Environment Canada
LIGHT DUTY
VEHICLES
NON-ROAD
EQUIPMENT
RESIDENTIAL WOOD
COMBUSTION
CONSUMER
PRODUCTS
62
Clean air can be easy to take for granted, even though it has a huge impact on our health and well-being.
63
10/
64
Vancouver will become a global leader

in urban food systems.
LoCAL Food
target:
increase city-WiDe anD neighbourhooD fooD
assets by a minimum of 50% over 2010 levels.
Food matterslike water and air, we cant live without it. What and
how we eat can be a daily reminder of our interconnection with the
earths natural systems and with each other.
Food systemsthe way we grow, process, transport, and consume
foodhave been central to the sustainability of communities for
millennia. For example, the fossil fuels used to transport berries from
South America, the energy used in cooling systems for food storage,
and the amount of land used to graze animals and produce meat and
dairy products all consume resources and produce waste. In fact, food
represents one of the largest sources of our greenhouse gas emissions.
It also accounts for almost half of our ecological footprint if you
extend emission calculations to include factors related to food.
There is no single definition of local food. In this plan, however,
local means that the distance from farm to plate is as short as
possible. The City of Vancouvers definition of local also includes
factors such as the working conditions of the people who grow and
harvest the food, the environmental impact of the foods production
including the use of pesticides, and the affordability or accessibility
of food for all residents.
A stronger local food system reduces the size of our ecological
footprint by cutting down on the use of fossil fuels as well as
protecting food-producing lands and related biodiversity. Local
food contributes to human health and is considered by the
Vancouver Economic Commission as a growing sector of a strong
green economy.
All of these factors make food a powerful part of a just and
sustainable city.
65
bAseLine numbers
Its estimated that Vancouver currently has 3,340 food assets,
including community kitchens, markets, compost facilities,
garden plots, and more. Success will be measured using these
numbers for comparison, as well as through a review of the
local workforce, people involved in the local food economy,
and community capacity. This includes things like the
presence of neighbourhood food networks, as well as the
number and kinds of food-related activities available to
residents.
An additional metric will track the number of residents
who live within a five-minute walk of a basket of fresh
produce. Further research is needed to determine an accurate
baseline for this measurement.
Food asset growth

fooD asset
Community Kitchen
current
2020
goal
per cent
increase
69
100
45%
Farmers market
22
450%
Community Produce Stand
15
400%
Community Food
Composting Facilities
500%
3,260
5,000
53%
10
330%
Urban Farms
400%
Food Hub
100%
3,340
5,158
54.4%
Community Garden Plots

Urban orchards
total

complete list of Local Food actions can be found in the Greenest City
1. Develop a draft municipal food strategy to coordinate all aspects of
the food system. There are many players involved in Vancouvers
local food movement. This action aims to create linkages across City
departments and to the Vancouver Food Policy Council, community
partners, and other programs so that their efforts can strengthen one
another and help us move more effectively toward the 2020 target.
2. Grow more food in the city. An increase in urban agriculture will
include five to six new community gardens plus one new urban
farm per year over the next three years. This also includes a plan
to expand the number of farmers markets within the city. In all
cases, the City will work with the Park Board, neighbourhoods,
and landowners to determine the location and process for
implementation of these resources.
Green Jobs
urban farmer
urban beekeeper
farmers market coordinator
commercial food recovery
coordinator
community kitchen operator
66
food processor
horticulturalist
food retailer
educator
3. Make local food available in community centres, parks,

neighbourhood houses, and other City-run facilities through a local
food procurement plan. The City can use its significant purchasing
power to buy just, sustainable, and locally produced food products.
Examples could include produce from local farms and baked goods
from local producers.

develop a coordinated municipal food strategy
This strategy focuses on the importance of working across City
departments and with community partners to articulate a vision,
as well as goals, and actions for Vancouvers food system. A food
strategy will provide a framework for an integrated approach to
planning food policy and actions.
This goal cannot be achieved without a coordinated collaborative
approach that takes into account the big picture and uses the talents
of all involved. Some ideas that may be explored in this strategy
include: zoning to protect food-growing spaces, the appropriate
placement and licensing of urban farms, and amended bylaws to
better facilitate food production and community produce stands.
support the creation of food infrastructure and foodrelated green jobs in production, processing, storage,
distribution, and waste management
A sustainable urban food system is not possible without the
infrastructurethe land, people, and buildingsto make it happen.
Some actions in this strategy include: a food-related incubator to
assist the development of local food businesses, and a central food
hub that can provide space for the assembly, storage, and distribution
of food from local farms and the processing and development of local
food products.
increase access to information on just and sustainable
local food
There are many excellent food projects happening in Vancouver, but
not enough opportunities to share knowledge and build connections
with the wider community. A possible action is to create a directory
of key local food initiatives as well as annual events that support and
celebrate local food.
ensure that Vancouvers neighbourhoods have equal

access to healthy, local food
Resilient neighbourhood food systems mean that residents have
access to fresh produce, to a community kitchen, or to a network
of people who can help start and support projects. Some actions
include: increasing the number of neighbourhood food networks that
provide information and resources to residents, working to ensure all
residents are within a five-minute walk of a basket of fresh produce,
and encouraging programs that either use or compost excess food
from commercial operations.
Advocate for food issues at regional, provincial, and
national levels
Despite an increase in local food assets, Vancouver will continue to
have a strong dependence on food grown outside city boundaries.
The regulations and policies of other levels of government can work
together to further efforts to implement local food actions and
strategies. Some of the actions include: continuing to advocate for
food-growing capacity in the Lower Mainlands Agricultural Land
Reserve (ALR) and other areas, and collaborating with the Vancouver
School Board to ensure school breakfast and lunch programs receive
adequate funding.

to Get there
As with many Greenest City goals, strong partnerships are
necessary for success. From Vancouvers Food Policy Council to
local food producers, from regional and provincial governments
to neighbourhood groups, there is a place in this plan for everyone
to play a role. Fortunately, Vancouver has a strong and growing
community of people working for a local, sustainable, and just food
system. This is a foundation we can build on as we make progress
towards our 2020 goal.
Who gets to eat fresh?

Some Vancouverites have an easier
time than others finding a place in
their neighbourhood to buy fresh
fruits and vegetables. Access to fresh
produce is not distributed equally
across the city. one of the
priorities in the Local Food plan is

to ensure that the majority of
residents live within a five-minute
walk of a basket of fresh produce.
This is in contrast to a corner
store that might only carry chips
or other packaged food.
There are a number of areas in

Vancouver where access is well
outside a five-minute walk. While
specific measurement requires
further definition, work can begin
to address the identified gaps.
67
Were not starting from

scratch!
fooD security sprouts up

across the city
Samples from Vancouvers food

system history
The renfrew Collingwood Neighbourhood House creates educational

workshops and community kitchens.
They do this in partnership with local
early childhood education centres
to increase access to healthy food
for culturally diverse, low-income
community members.
Food Policy Council created in

2004
Bylaw changes in 2005 encourage
hobby beekeeping
Vancouvers 2007 Food Charter
underpins the goals of a just and
sustainable food system
Bylaw changes in 2010 allow for
backyard hens
The 2010 by 2010 Challenge
increases the number of community
gardens and orchards
Curbside food scraps pickup begins
in 2010 and diverts waste from the
landfill
The City is working on several sets
of local food-related guidelines and
programs that will benefit from the
Greenest City Action Plan. These
include:
Development of a Vancouver Food
Strategy
Revised Beekeeping Guidelines
Edible Landscaping Guidelines
68
The renfrew Collingwood Food

Security Institute has increased
leadership and training opportunities
for residents and has enhanced social
support networks among low-income
and culturally diverse populations
all through food sharing, organic
growing, nutrition education and
more.
The Britannia Urban Gardens Project
developed a food gardening program
at Britannia Secondary in response to
interest within the school and wider
community. The project has helped
to reconnect participants to the land
and to the food they eat, supported
healthy eating choices, and fostered
leadership development. It also
fostered stronger partnerships
between the Britannia Community
Centre, the school, and the wider
community.
neighbourhooD fooD
netWorKscoming to a
community near you
Neighbourhood Food Networks
(NFNs) are coalitions of community
members, community organizations,
agencies, and businesses who
collaborate to achieve food system
goals. Actions include monthly
potlucks, community kitchens,
coordinating community produce
stands, organizing skills-building
events like gardening and seedsaving workshops, and more.
There are a growing number of NFNs
currently operating in the City of
Vancouver, including five that were
funded through the Greenest City
Neighbourhood Grants program
(2010) and Social responsibility Fund
(2011). Vancouver aims to ensure
that each neighbourhood is serviced
by an adequately resourced NFN.
depending on need, this may or may
not mean a NFN in each local area.
It could also involve a coordinating
body to assist their development.
Q: What is a fooD asset?

a: resources, facilities,
services or spaces that
strengthen the citys
fooD system.
Some examples include:

Neighbourhood food hubs that are centres
for education and skill building on topics
such as gardening, composting, and food
preservation
Community kitchens
Farmers markets
Community produce stands (these are
mini-markets that provide vulnerable
populations with access to fresh food)
Food scraps composting facilities and
programs
Community garden plots

Urban orchards
Urban farms (these are areas of land in
the city used to grow food that is sold to
residents or retailers)
Under the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan,
the number of food assets would increase
by 54% from an estimated 3,340 to 5,158
by 2020.
69
70
A CoNCLUSIoN
& A BEGINNING
When you imagine yourself in the year 2020, what do you see? What do you
hope for? What are the opportunities? These are the kinds of questions we
asked as we set out to create the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan.
Along the way, we talked with as many people as possible from experts who
teach and research in universities to business owners and students, industry
leaders and concerned citizens. Through public consultation more than 35,000
people contributed in some way to the document you now hold in your hands.
Together we created not just a vision, but also a realistic and measurable path
to get there. City staff are working on implementing actions in the plan that
fall within the Citys jurisdiction. As citizens, we all play a role in ensuring the 10
goals are achieved.
Indeed, the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan has a role for everyone in
Vancouver. Whether youre involved in the local business community, active
in your neighbourhood, or interested in greening your own home, your efforts
are essential to our shared success. If youre not already involved, we hope
you will join us.
71
ACknowLedGements
The Greenest City 2020 Action Plan is the
culmination of countless hours of work,
as well as invaluable expertise, leadership
and creativity offered by hundreds of
organizations and thousands of individuals.
It is with great appreciation that we recognize
all who are playing a role in building a bright
green future for our city and our planet.
Greenest City Planning team
Lindsay Cole, Greenest City Planner,
Sustainability Group
Amanda Mitchell, Greenest City
Public Engagement Coordinator,
Olive Dempsey, Greenest City
Public Engagement Coordinator,
Amy Fournier, Project Analyst,
Ryan Merkeley, Director of Corporate
Communications
Lisa Brideau, Sustainability Specialist,
Greenest City steering Committee
Sadhu Johnston (Chair), Deputy City
Manager
Lee Malleau, CEO, Vancouver Economic
Commission
John Tylee, Director of Policy and Research,
Vancouver Economic Commission
Sean Pander, Assistant Director,
David Ramslie, Senior Programs Manager,
Will Johnston, Chief Building Official
Jerry Dobrovolny, Director of Transportation
Brent Toderian, Director of Planning
Peter Kuran, Deputy General Manager, Park
Board
Tilo Driessen, Manager of Planning and
Research, Park Board
72
Neal Carley, Director of Streets

Danica Djurkovic, Acting Director of
Planning and Operations, Park Board
Rowan Birch, Director of Waste Reduction
and Recovery Management
Chris Underwood, Acting Director of Waste
Reduction and Recovery Management
Mairi Welman, Director of Corporate
Communications
Brian Crowe, Director of Water and Sewers
Mary Clare Zak, Director of Social Policy
Amanda Pitre-Hayes, Director of
Sustainability
Greenest City
ACtion teAm
Gregor Robertson (Co-Chair), Mayor
of Vancouver
Dr. David Boyd (Co-Chair), Environmental
Lawyer and author of Sustainability Within a
Generation
David Cadman, Vancouver City Councillor
Linda Coady, Distinguished Fellow, Liu
Institute for Global Issues, UBC
Lindsay Cole, Director, Sustainability
Solutions Group
Karen Cooling, National Staff
Representative, Communications, Energy
and Paperworkers Union of Canada and
Treasurer, Toxic Free Canada
Mike Harcourt, Former Premier of British
Columbia, Former Mayor of Vancouver,
Honorary Chair of the International Centre
for Sustainable Cities
Cheeying Ho, Director, Whistler Centre
for Sustainability
Mark Holland, Principal, HB Lanarc
Alex Lau, Vice President, Golden
Properties Ltd.
Linda Nowlan, Director, Pacific
Conservation, World Wildlife Fund-Canada
Gordon Price, Director of SFU City Program
and former Vancouver City Councillor
Moura Quayle, Professor, UBC Sauder School

of Business
Andrea Reimer, Vancouver City Councillor
Robert Safrata, CEO, Novex Delivery
Solutions
Dr. David Suzuki, Scientist, environmentalist
and broadcaster
Mossadiq S. Umedaly, Executive Chairman,
Enecsys
Tamara Vrooman, CEO, Vancity Credit
Union
stAFF workinG
GrouPs
Green economy
John Tylee (Chair), Director of Policy and
Research, Vancouver Economic Commission
Juvarya Warsi (Staff Lead), Policy Analyst,
Vancouver Economic Commission
Chris Clibbon, Planner, Community Services
Group, Research and Data
Kira Gerwing, Planner, Community Services
Group (Downtown Eastside)
Lee Malleau, CEO, Vancouver Economic
Commission
Bryan Buggey, Director of Business
Development, Vancouver Economic
Commission
Jonathan Kassian, Vancouver Economic
Commission
John McPherson, Business Development
Officer, Vancouver Economic Commission
Peter Vaisbord, Planner, Business
Improvement Area (BIA) Program
Abhijeet Jagtap, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Nouri Najjar, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Climate Leadership
Sean Pander (Chair), Assistant Director,
Hugo Haley (Staff Lead), Renewable Energy
Planner, Sustainability Group
note: titles And roles mAy hAve chAnged since the development of the greenest city Action plAn
Chris Baber, Utility Manager, Neighbourhood

Energy Utility Project, Engineering Services
Brian Beck, Climate Program Manager,
Brian Crowe, Director of Water and Sewers
Division
Tamsin Mills, Climate Change Adaptation
Planner
Paul Henderson, Director, Strategic
Initiatives Office of the General Manager Engineering
Malcolm Shield, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Derek Pope, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Lisa Westerhoff, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Green buildings
Will Johnston (Chair), Director of Licences
and Inspections/Chief Building Official
Rick Michaels, Assistant Director, Enquiry
Centre - Development Services
Ron Dyck, Program Manager, Building
Inspections
Sailen Black, Development Planner, Urban
Design and Development Planning Centre
Mark Hartman, Green Building Program
Manager, Sustainability Group
Rachel Moscovich, Sustainable Development
Kandiah Pavananthan, Manager,
Development Services - Processing Centre
Pat Ryan, Deputy Chief Building Official,
Assistant Director of Development Services
Chris Warren, Director of Development
Services
Jay Worthing, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Green transportation
Jerry Dobrovolny (Chair), Director of
Transportation
Brent Toderian (Chair), Director of Planning
Paul Krueger (Staff Lead), Planner, Strategic

Transportation Planning Branch - Rapid
Transit Office
Dale Bracewell, Manager, Transportation
Division - Active Transportation
Lon LaClaire, Manager, Strategic
Transportation Planning
Neal LaMontagne, Planner, Citywide and
Regional Planning
Andrew Pask, Planner, Community Planning
Jo Fung, Program Manager, Transportation
Division
Maggie Baynham, UBC Greenest City
Scholar
Tate White, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Zero waste
Rowan Birch (Chair, retired), Director of
Waste Reduction and Recovery Management
Chris Underwood (Chair/Staff Lead), Acting
Director, Waste Reduction and Recovery
Management
Monica Kosmak, Program Manager, Zero
Waste Planning
Lynn Belanger, Manager, Transfer and
Landfill Operations
Mani Deo, Equipment Management Engineer
David Robertson, Supervisor, Environmental
Protection Branch, Community Services
Group
Catherine Kinahan, Assistant Director of
Enforcement and Prosecutions, Legal Services
Valery Presolly, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Access to nature
Tilo Driessen (Chair), Manager of Planning
and Research, Park Board
Neal Carley (Chair), Director of Streets
Alan Duncan (Staff Lead), Environmental
Planner, Planning and Operations,
Park Board
Eileen Curran, Engineering Assistant,
Streets Division
Doug Manarin, Planning and Development

Engineer, Streets Design
Douglas Scott, Landscape Architect, Active
Transportation
Megan Stuart-Stubbs, Planning Analyst,
Cathy Buckham, Senior Planner, Community
Planning
Katherine Isaac, Planner, Planning and
Operations, Park Board
Ben Mulhall, Project Coordinator, Planning
and Operations, Park Board
Bill Stephen, Acting City Arbourist,
Park Board
Piet Rutgers (retired), Park Board
Amit Gandha, Acting Superintendent Arboriculture North, Park Board
Lindsay Bourque, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Lighter Footprint
Mairi Welman (Chair), Director of Corporate
Communications
Lindsay Cole (Staff Lead), Greenest City
Sean Pander, Assistant Director,
Joyce Uyesugi, Planner, Citywide and
Regional Planning
Brenda Prosken, Deputy General Manager,
Community Services
Colin Fenby, Assistant Director of Corporate
Communications
Nancy Eng, Communications Coordinator,
Corporate Communications
Baldwin Wong, Social Planner, Community
Services Group
Joseph Li, Multilingual Communications
Coordinator, Corporate Communications
Daphne Wood, Director of Planning and
Development - Vancouver Public Library
Barb Floden, Communications - Park Board
Laurie Best, Director of Web Redevelopment
Project
73
Jennifer Bailey, Water Quality and

Conservation Program Manager, Water
Designs
Amy Fournier, Project Analyst,
Paul Henderson, Director, Strategic
Initiatives Office of the General Manager
Engineering
Cornelia Sussman, UBC Greenest City
Scholar
Avery Titchkosky, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Maggie Wang, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Polly Ng, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Clean water
Brian Crowe (Chair), Director of Water and
Sewers Division
Peter Navratil (Staff Lead), Manager, Water
Design
Andrew Ling, Civil Engineer, Sewer and
Drainage Design
Carolyn Drugge, Policy Analyst, Water and
Sewers Division
Piet Rutgers/Danica Djurkovi, Acting
Director of Planning and Operations, Park
Board
Grace Cheng, Manager, Financial Policy and
Projects
Jack Chen, Business Consultant, Financial
Services Group
Jennifer Bailey, Water Quality and
Conservation Program Manager,
Water Design
Donny Wong, Civil Engineer, Water Design
Sara Orchard, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Joshua Welsh, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Clean Air
Roger Quan, Air Quality Policy and
Management Division Manager, Metro
Vancouver
Laurie Bates-Frymal, Air Quality Planner,
Metro Vancouver
74
Derek Jennejohn, Senior Engineer, Metro

Vancouver
Sean Pander, Assistant Director of
Malcolm Shield, Climate Policy Analyst,
Adam Hyslop, UBC Greenest City Scholar
Local Food
Mary Clare Zak (Chair), Director of
Social Policy
Andrew Pask (Staff Lead), Planner,
Community Planning
James ONeill (Staff Lead), Social Planner,
Community Services Group
Wendy Mendes, Social Planner, Community
Services Group
Brent Toderian, Director of Planning
Tami Gill, Planner, Central Area Planning
Rick Michaels, Assistant Director of
Development Services Enquiry Centre
Sean Pander, Assistant Director of
John Breckner, Associate Director of
Real Estate Services
Scott Edwards, Manager, Street Activities
Branch
Erin McDonald, Green Streets Coordinator,
Transportation
Alan Duncan, Environmental Planner,
Bill Manning, Manager, Arboriculture and
Horticulture
Douglas Scott, Landscape Architect, Active
Transportation
Kevin Millsip, Sustainability Coordinator,
Vancouver School Board
Liane McKenna (retired), Director of
Vancouver East District, Park Board
Tegan Adams, UBC Greenest City Scholar
externAL AdVisory
Committees
Green economy
Target 1
Richard Hallman, BC Innovation Council
Jennie Moore, BC Institute of Technology
Robin Hemmingsen, BC Institute of
Technology
Pascal Spothelfer, BC Technology Industry
Association
Lee Loftus, BC and Yukon Construction
Trades Council
Wayne Peppard, BC and Yukon Construction
Trades Council
Michael Heeney, Bing Thom Architects
Shirley Chan, Building Opportunities with
Business
Brian Smith, Building Opportunities with
Business
Wal van Lierop, Chrysalix
John Lerner, EMBERS
Marcia Nozick, EMBERS
Paul Shorthouse, Globe Foundation
Mark Holland, HB Lanarc
Bob Ingratta, LifeSciences BC
Helen Goodland, Light House Sustainable
Building Centre
Gil Yaron, Light House Sustainable Building
Centre
Linda Nowlan, Environmental Lawyer and
Consultant
Lori Law, National Research Council - IRAP
Walter Wardrop, National Research Council
- IRAP
Linda Oglov, Oglov Business Development
Heather Tremain, reSource Rethinking
Building
Paul Austin, Sustainable Development
Technology Canada
Sean Markey, Simon Fraser University
James Tansey, University of British Columbia
Maureen Cureton, Vancity Credit Union
Target 2
Gordon Hardwick, BC Film Commission
Christy Intihar, BC Hydro PowerSmart
Joy Beauchamp, BC Government LiveSmart
Bernie Magnan, Board of Trade
Catherine Chick, Business Development
Bank of Canada
Elizabeth Sheehan, Climate Smart
Charles Gauthier, Downtown Vancouver
Business Improvement Association
Wes Regan, Hastings Crossing Business
Improvement Association
Sophie Agbonkhese, Strathcona Business
Improvement Association
Walt Judas, Tourism Vancouver
Michael Krafczyk, TransLink
Maureen Cureton , Vancity Credit Union
Lorina Keery, Building Owners and
Managers Association BC
Climate Leadership
Eve Hou, Metro Vancouver
Josha MacNab, Pembina Institute
Dale Littlejohn, Community Energy
Association
Guy Dauncey, BC Sustainable Energy
Association
John Robinson, University of British
Columbia
Stephen Sheppard , University of British
Columbia
Kevin Millsip, Vancouver School Board
Mark Roseland, Simon Fraser University
Nicholas Heap, David Suzuki Foundation
Norm Connolly, Community Energy
Association
Stacey Bernier, Canadian District Energy
Association
Victoria Smith, BC Hydro
Colleen Sparks, BC Climate Action
Secretariat
Paul Shorthouse, Globe Foundation
Alan Boniface, Urban Land Institute
Mauricio A. Acosta, Vancouver Coastal
Health Authority
Elizabeth Sheehan, Climate Smart

John Turner, Fortis BC
Green buildings
Allan Francis, Architectural Institute of BC,
Sustainability Committee
Michael Blackman, Association of
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists /
Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
Chris Corps, Asset Strategies Ltd. / Canadian
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Toby Lau, BC Hydro
Sophie Mercier, BC Building Envelope
Council
John Cordonier, Bentall Group
Lorina Keery, Energy Conservation and
Sustainability Programs, Building Owners
and Managers Association of BC
Paul LaBranche, Building Owners and
Managers Association of BC
Peter Laforest, Energy and Sustainability
Programs, Building Owners and Managers
Association of BC
Teresa Coady, Bunting Coady Architects
Martin Nielsen, Busby, Perkins + Will
Joe Stano, Canada Green Building Council
Thomas Mueller, Canada Green Building
Council
Jessica Woolliams, Cascadia Green Building
Council
Joel Sisolak, Cascadia Green Building
Council
Mona Lemoine, Cascadia Green Building
Council
Allan Francis, CEI Architecture Planning
Interiors
John Scott, CEI Architecture Planning
Interiors
Kevin Hydes, CEO Integral Group
Jennifer Sanguinetti, Smart Buildings and
Energy Management BC Housing
Jeff Fischer, Urban Development Institute
Amy Spencer-Chubey, Greater Vancouver
Home Builders Association
Denisa Ionescu, Research and Education,

Homeowner Protection Office
Murray Mackinnon, Canadian Contact,
Ledcore
Helen Goodland, Light House Sustainable
Building Centre
Trudy Rotgans, Building Policy,
Province of BC
Norm Shearing, Parklane Homes
Guido Wimmers, Passive House Institute
Jonathan Meads, Concert Properties
Katherine Muncaster, Province of BC
Graham Finch, RDH Building Engineering
Warren Knowles, RDH Building Engineering
Brenda Martens, Recollective
Michael Yeates, Vancity Credit Union
Heather Tremain, reSource Rethinking
Building
Lyn Bartram, SFU School of Interactive Arts
and Technology
Ray Cole, UBC School of Architecture and
Landscape Architecture
Juvarya Warsi, Vancouver Economic
Commission
Keith Sashaw, Vancouver Regional
Construction Association
Green transportation
Kevin Volk, BC Ministry of Transportation
Raymond Kan/Eve Hou, Metro Vancouver
Greg Yeomans, TransLink
Magaret Mahan, Better Environmentally
Sound Transportation
Keith Ippel, Vancouver Area Cycling
Coalition
Karen Parusel/Karen Fung, Vancouver
Public Space Network
Adam Cooper, UBC TREK Program Centre,
UBC
Larry Frank/Andrew Devlin, School of
Community and Regional Planning, UBC
Gordon Price, City Program, SFU
75
Alice Miro, CLASP Initiative, Built

Environment and Health, Heart and Stroke
Foundation
Heather McKay/Sara Lusina/Azaria Botta,
Vancouver Coastal Health
David Feldhaus, Vancouver Electric Vehicle
Association
Mike Elwood, Electric Mobility Canada
Zero Waste
Ruth Abramson, Provincial Health Services
Authority
Helen Spiegelman, Zero Waste Vancouver
Dennis Ranahan, Metro Vancouver
Norman Point, Musqueam Indian Band,
Musqueam Reserve
Charles Gauthier, Downtown Vancouver
Business Improvement Association
Richard Taki, Vancouver Coastal Health
Authority
Brock Macdonald/Jordan Best, Recycling
Council of BC
Avtar Sundher, Ministry of the Environment
Sam Dahabieh, Simon Fraser University
Robert Weatherbe, Recycling Alternative
Louise Schwarz, Recycling Alternative
Access to Nature
David Zandvliet, Faculty of Education,
Simon Fraser University
Emily Jubenvill, Vancouver Public Space
Network
Andrew Appleton, Evergreen
Dawn Hanna, Jericho Stewardship Group
Catherine Berris, BC Society of Landscape
Architects
Kai Chan, Institute for Resources,
Environment and Sustainability, UBC
Margaret Coutts, Nature Vancouver
Patricia Thomson, Stanley Park Ecology
Society
76
Lighter Footprint
Jason Mogus, Communicopia
James Boothroyd, David Suzuki Foundation
Aftab Erfan, Deep Democracy
Alex Lau, Golden Properties
Nancy Mcharg, Hoggan and Associates
Ruben Anderson, Metro Vancouver
Vanessa Timmer, One Earth Initiative
Emmanuel Prinet, One Earth Initiative
Bill Rees, One Earth Initiative/University of
British Columbia
Janet Moore, Semester in Dialogue Program,
SFU
Meg Holden, Urban Studies and Geography,
SFU
Susanna Haas-Lyons, Greenest City
Conversations Project, UBC
Clean Water
Oliver Brandes, POLIS Projection Ecological
Governance
Patricia Daly, Vancouver Coastal Health
Authority
Bob Jones, Metro Vancouver
Dirk Kirste, Simon Fraser University
Gunilla Oberg, University of British
Columbia
Kirk Stinchcombe, Econnics
Tim Takaro, Simon Fraser University
Troy Vassos, NovaTech Consultants Inc.
Stan Woods, Metro Vancouver
Local Food
Joanne Bays, Public Health Association of
British Columbia
Brent Mansfield, Vancouver School Board
Doug Aason, Greater Vancouver Foodbank
Daryl Arnold, Commercial poultry farmer
Herb Barbolet, Centre for Sustainable
Community Development, SFU and Local
Food First
Maria Burglehaus, Vancouver Coastal Health
Authority
Carole Christopher, Society Promoting

Environmental Conservation
Trish Kelly, Horizon Distributors
Andr LaRivire, Green Table Network
Tara McDonald, Your Local Farmers Market
Society
Ross Moster, Village Vancouver
Jeff Nield, Farm Folk City Folk
Cale Price, Vancouver chef
Janine de la Salle, Food Systems Planning,
HB Lanarc
Carla S. Shore, C-Shore Communications Inc.
Yona Sipos, UBC Faculty of Land and Food
Systems
Helen Spiegelman, Zero Waste Vancouver
Kim Sutherland, BC Ministry of Agriculture
David Tracey, Vancouver Community
Agriculture Network
TUyTanat-Cease Wyss,
Skwxwu7mesh Nation
GREENEST CITY
WORKSHOP
AND OUTREACH
SUPPORTERS
The Accountability Project
Alfresco Vancouver
Balitang Vancouver
BC Sustainable Energy Association
Board of Change
Canadian Community Economic
Development Network
Cause + Affect and Pecha Kucha Vancouver
City of Vancouver Bicycle Advisory
Committee
City of Vancouver Multicultural Advisory
Committee
Constructive Public Engagement
David Suzuki Foundation
Green Club Vancouver
Green Drinks
John Oliver Secondary School - Digital
Immersion Class
NOTE: TITLES AND ROLES MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREENEST CITY ACTION PLAN
OMNI news
One Earth Initiative
Poonam Sandhu and Preet Bal
Prince of Wales Secondary School
Rangi Changi Roots
Recycling Council of BC
Science World
SFU Carbon Talks
SFU City Program
SFU Semester in Dialogue Program
South Vancouver Service Providers Network
Stratford Hall
Strathcona Business Improvement Association
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Sustainable Vancouver
Travelling World Community Film Festival
UBC School of Community and Regional
Planning
Urban Development Institute
Vancouver and District Labour Council
Vancouver Board of Trade
Vancouver City Planning Commission
Vancouver Design Nerds
Vancouver is Awesome
Vancouver Public Space Network
Vancouver Social Media community, hosted
by SAP
Village Vancouver
The Waldorf Hotel
Zero Waste Vancouver
Photo Credits
Cover, Port Metro Vancouver
Page 7, Stephen Hui
Page 9, Kurtis Stewart
Page 10, Vancouver Convention Centre
Page 11, Houses, Amanda Mitchell
Page 11, Truck, Westport Innovations
Page 12, Rob Baxter
Page 15, Westport Innovations
Page 16, Amanda Mitchell
Page 17, Sign, Amanda Mitchell
Page 17, VIVA Laneway, Paul Krueger
Page 21, Deb Gale

Page 23, Woodwards Building,
Amanda Mitchell
Page 23, Laneway House, Krista Jahnke
Page 24, Greenwall, Lisa Brideau
Page 28, Kurtis Stewart
Page 29, Trucks, Translink
Page 33, Jason Vanderhill
Page 34, Caelie Frampton
Page 35, OV Park, Amanda Mitchell
Page 35, Wood Slats, Amanda Mitchell
Page 35, Wood Wall, Vanessa Griffiths
Page 40, Rob Baxter
Page 41, Ducks, Elaine Ayres
Page 41, Walking Path, Ben Johnson
Page 42, Vanessa Griffiths
Page 47, Bike Stand, Paul Krueger
Page 47, Grass and Concrete,
Amanda Mitchell
Page 48/49, Canning, Kristi Tatebe
Page 49, Laundry Line, Ben Johnson
Page 53, Water Resevoir, Metro Vancouver
Page 53, Carrot & Sprinkler,
Vanessa Griffiths
Page 54, Stephen Rees
Page 59, Paul Krueger
Page 60, Crab Park, www.eclipseawards.com
Page 60/61, Leaf & Sun, Vanessa Griffiths
Page 64, Peach Pie, Michelle Sproule via
scoutmagazine.ca
Page 65, Garden, Kristi Tatebe
Page 65, Tomatoes, Geoff Peters
Page 66, Michelle Sproule via
scoutmagazine.ca
Page 69, Steve Dynie
Page 70, Robert White
Note: Titles and roles may have changed since the development of the Greenest City Action Plan
77
Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Paper Network Calculator.
For more information visit http://calculator.environmentalpaper.org
2012, City of Vancouver. All Rights Reserved.

The preparation of this sustainable community plan was carried out with assistance from the Green Municipal Fund,
a Fund financed by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Notwithstanding this support, the views expressed are the personal views of the authors, and the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities and the Government of Canada accept no responsibility for them.
For more Information:

Visit vancouver.ca or call:
TTY: 7-1-1 / outside Vancouver: 604.873.7000
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Greenest City Action Plan

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2020 ACtion PLAn

VAnCouVer hAs ProVen thAt

...And this Greenest City ACtion PLAn

Greenest City 2020

Its up to everyone to do their part,

the Greenest City story

how does VAnCouVer

CreAtinG the Greenest City

Recognizing the importance of working toward the goals and

There are four key ingredients required for us to succeed: vision,

we hAVe An Ambitious And

wALkinG the tALk:

You join a multitude of caring

we ALL hAVe A roLe to PLAy

Secure Vancouvers international

By embracing green economic development, Vancouver businesses

hiGhest Priority ACtions

Vancouver has approximately 14,900 green jobs in eight sectors,

Percentage of jobs in key sectors *

per cent of jobs

Wholesale & retail Trade

Health Care & Social Assistance

Tourism (Accommodation & Food Service)

Transportation & Warehousing

1. Develop programs to support each of the five green job clusters

3. Deliver a business engagement program. This program can help

Land & Water Remediation

Green Building Design

SOURCE: Vancouver Economic Commission survey and estimates,

green business development

smart meter manufacturer

key strAteGies to 2020

whAt its GoinG to tAke

WITH GREENEST CITY ACTION PLAN

Where Will the neW green jobs come from?

distribution of additional green jobs generated

Green jobs by training required

CLEAN TECH & GREEN BUILDING

LOCAL FOOD (13%)

With a goal of 5,000 homes by

whAt is A Green Job?

Eliminate dependence on fossil fuels.

hiGhest Priority ACtions

Vancouver is set to bring our community-based greenhouse gas

Vancouvers GhG emissions are declining

2. Work with partners to convert large-scale steam systems to

Target: 6% below 1990 levels

1. Work with partners in the city to build new neighbourhood-scale

SOURCE: Vancouvers GHG Emissions 1990-2012; City of Vancouver.

Further emissions reductions are expected, thanks to improvements

3. Develop a policy framework that clearly articulates when the City

Vancouvers 2008 GhG emissions sources

1 & 2 FAMILY HOMES: 530,000 (19%)

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS:

HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES: 125,000 (5%)

SOURCE: 2008 Emissions Inventory; City of Vancouver

SOLID WASTE: 220,000 (8%)

natural gas engine mechanic

key strAteGies to 2020

whAt its GoinG to tAke

develop a climate change adaptation plan

PROVINCIAL REGULATION: 445,000 (39%)

GREEN BUILDINGS: 270,000 (24%)

RENEWABLE ENERGY: 120,000 (11%)